News
Decoration on Japan’s National Holiday
The most important Japanese order dedicated to foreign citizens, namely the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Ribbon has been bestowed by His Excellency, Mr. Kisaburo Ishii, the ambassador of Japan in Bucharest, upon Mr. Ion Caramitru, Director General of the ”I.L. Caragiale” National Theatre, on 7th December 2017, during a ceremony within the reception organized by the Embassy of Japan on the occasion of the National Holiday at the Marriott Hotel of Bucharest, in the presence of countless guests.
The Order of the Rising Sun was founded in 1875 (by Emperor Meiji of Japan), after the "Order of the Chrysanthemum" (reserved exclusively for state presidents or members of the royal houses), the second major order granted in Japan. It is, at the same time, the highest Japanese order granted to foreign citizens, awarded for special merits in the area of international relations, of the promotion of Japanese culture or the projects aiming at environmental development and protection. Before the Second World War, it was also bestowed for exceptional military services.
The Order of the Rising Sun is conferred in the name of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, through the Office of decorations pertaining to the chancellery of Prime Minister Shizo Abe, who signs the Patent of the distinction, bearing the state seal of Japan.
The awarding ceremony of the High Order by His Excellency Mr. Ambassador Ishii, was accompanied by a brief presentation by the latter of the merits of Ion Caramitru in the support and development of cultural relations between Romania and Japan. In his acceptance speech, Ion Caramitru evoked a few examples of the tight collaboration with the Japanese theatre and he paid a warm tribute to the exceptional virtues of the Japanese nation, which he qualified as exemplary and worthwhile following.
After in 2016, Ion Caramitru has been awarded by the British Council the title of Shakespeare Cultural Ambassador and the distinction of Actor of Europe, the year 2017 concludes for him with yet another international and prestigious acknowledgement, which we would like to share with joy with everyone who appreciates him.
Translated by Simona Nichiteanu