Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020 - Mr. Koji Otani

On December 1, 2020 (Japan Time), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan announced the recipients of Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020. Mr. Koji Otani is among this year’s foreign recipients. He receives the Commendation in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of Japanese language education within the United States.

Mr. Otani has made significant contributions to Japanese language education and Japan-U.S. friendship over his more than 20-year teaching career in Virginia’s Fairfax County Public Schools. In addition to his work as a teacher, Mr. Otani plays an active role in organizing Japanese language events in the region, and has also contributed to the advancement of Japanese language education in the U.S. by serving as a member on the exam development committee for the SAT and the AP Japanese exams at the College Board.

Every year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.