October 05, 2021

Dr Patokh Chodiev is presented with The Order of the Rising Sun, the highest award of Japan

Moscow, Russia – Today, Dr Patokh Chodiev, the Japanese scholar, entrepreneur and philanthropist, was presented with one of the highest state awards of Japan – the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.  The award ceremony took place at the residence of the AmbassadorExtraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japanto theRussian Federation, Mr Toyohisa Kozuki.

The award recognises Dr Chodiev’s long-standing contribution to the development of economic and cultural ties between Japan and Russia.

For over 20 years, the International Chodiev Foundation (ICF) has been actively supporting the strengthening of Russo-Japanese relations in the areas of culture and arts, science, and education.

In addition to supporting MGIMO’s extensive academic research, conferences and student internships at Japanese universities, the Foundation has greatly contributed to the promotion of the Japanese culture in Russia and Russian culture in Japan.

The most ambitious and large-scale cultural exchange events are held under ICF patronage.  In Russia, it is a vibrant festival of the contemporary Japanese art, J-Fest, which has been held each year since 2009.  And in Japan, for more than six years the Foundation has been supporting the Festival of Russian Culture, which brings the work of the masters of Russian classical art to the Japanese audience.

In 2018, ICF took an active part in organising the Japan-Russia Cross year (the year of cultural exchanges between Japan and Russia).  In particular, the Foundation sponsored the Russian tour of the legendary Kabuki theater.

A number of historical and cultural documentaries produced by ICF serve to strengthen the dialogue between the two cultures: ‘Multifaceted Japan’, ‘Building Trust: Russians in Japan’, ‘Hokkaido: the way to the northern seas’, ‘Kubota Kimonos: A History on Silk’.  These films show important aspects of Japanese culture, history and ethics, and reflect on the formation of the dialogue and mutual cooperation between two counties.  They have been broadcasted on Russian and international channels and film festivals to critical acclaim.

One of the memorable events related to the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage was the acquisition by Dr Chodiev of the collection of kimono by the Japanese artist Itchiku Kubota.  In 2011, the collection was due to be sold in parts at an auction.  Dr Chodiev acquired the entire collection, thus preserving its integrity.  The acquisition also saved the museum of Itchiku Kubota, which housed the collection, from closing down.  Since then, the collection had travelled extensively around the world, and returned to its home, the artist’s museum near mount Fuji. 

Dr Chodiev’s contribution to strengthening cultural and economic cooperation between two countries was also recognised in Russia – in 2019, he received the Patron of the Year award, and in 2020 he was honored with the Order of Friendship, one of the highest awards of the Russian Federation.

The Order of the Rising Sun award was announced on 3 November 2020, however, due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the ceremony had to be postponed for almost a year.  Presenting the award to Dr Chodiev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Russia, Mr. Toyohisa Kozuki, said: ‘Working as Japanese Ambassador to Russia, I was honored to have worked with you.  I express my deepest gratitude and hope that you will continue your work towards strengthening of friendship between our countries’.

Expressing his gratitude upon receipt of the award, Dr Chodiev noted: ‘It is with great gratitude that I accept this award as a high mark of my modest contribution to strengthening ties between Russia and Japan.  As a Russian and a Japanese scholar, I seek to improve relations between our countries.  Culture, art, national spirit, customs, and business rules of both countries evoke deep mutual interest.  Recently, I was honored with the similar highest award from the Government of Russia.  I am proud and deeply moved, and I will continue to support this cause to the best of my ability’.

Media contacts

Olga Monakhova

Director, ICF representative office in Russia

Tel: +7 (903) 264 88 84

Email: media@internationalchodievfoundation.com

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