Prof. Barbara Ruch
Receives Imperial Decoration
The Institute for Medieval Japanese Studies is happy to
announce that on April 29, 1999 our Director, Prof. Barbara Ruch, was named recipient of
one of Japan's highest Imperial decorations, the Kunsanto Hokansho (The Order of
the Precious Crown, Butterfly) for her work as an institution builder, a pioneer of
multiple new fields of Japanese learning, and an initiator of international scholarly and
public outreach projects which have deepened understanding of Japanese culture in the
United States, Europe and Japan itself. The decoration will be conferred by Ambassador
Seiichiro Otsuka of the Consulate General of Japan in New York, in a ceremony in New York
City later this year.
The awarding of Orders, Ranks and Decorations of Honor dates back to the
Taiho Code of 701; however, the present system of Imperial Decorations and Medals of Honor
was first established in Japan in the 1870s in general correspondence to systems then
current in Western European countries for royal recognition of outstanding individuals.
Categories were expanded in 1888 to include women and in 1937 to include broader cultural
achievement awards for both men and women.
Japanese Decorations and Orders consist of:
- The Order of the Chrysanthemum (Kikkasho) for royalty and heads of
state;
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- The Order of the Rising Sun (Kyokujitsusho) (for men) for former
prime ministers, heads of political parties, ambassadors and university professors of
eminence;
- The Order of the Precious Crown (Hokansho) (for women) ranks with
the Order of the Rising Sun for men if the recipient is non-royalty. This Order in Rank
No. 1 is currently worn by Empress Michiko;
- The Order of the Sacred Treasure (Zuihosho) for former judges,
members of the diet, ambassadors and academics (now for men and women); and
- The Order of Culture (Bunka kunsho) for contributions to arts,
letters and culture.
All but the Order of Culture have Ranks 1 to 8.
On this unprecedented occasion we share with you our joy and extend our
deepest gratitude to all of you who have been long-time friends and supporters and who
have helped to make the Institute's projects successful. We hope that this recognition of
Prof. Ruch's work will bring to the Institute's programs even wider participation of
scholars and the general public and that you will continue to offer us your support and
encouragement. If there are specific ways in which you would like to join us in our work
through collaboration or sponsorship, please let us know. |
