French govt decorates Mizukami

Written by Writer on Friday, October 24th, 2008

French govt decorates Mizukami

Kenya Mizukami, chairman of the Group Executive Committee of The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings, has been decorated with the highest rank of the French Order of Arts and Literature.

Mizukami was named Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his achievements in introducing French culture to Japan, including hosting cultural events such as an exhibition of works by Henri Matisse in 2004 and a Claude Monet exhibition in 2007. His many years of efforts reporting French news in Japan and France also received recognition from the French government.

At an award ceremony held Thursday at the French ambassador’s residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo, Philippe Faure, French ambassador to Japan, introduced Mizukami’s achievements.

“Mr. Mizukami interviewed [former French] President Francois Mitterrand in 1986, and has worked hard to introduce French art and culture [to Japan],” Faure said.

Mizukami expressed his thanks in French, saying, “The order honors the long history of friendship [between Japan and France].”
(Oct. 25, 2008)