NEWS

President Iwakiri was named Officier de l'Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French Republic

Update: January 20, 2025

On July 13, 2023, President Iwakiri of International Christian University (ICU: Mitaka, Tokyo) was named "Officier de l'Ordre des Palmes académiques" by the French Republic for his contributions to the understanding and teaching of French literature in Japan. The ceremony was held at the French Ambassador's residence on January 15, 2025.

The Ordre des Palmes académiques was established by Napoleon in 1808, and those who have made outstanding contributions to education in France, including higher education, are honored. In Japan, it is awarded to people who have contributed to the mutual relationship between Japan and France, such as those who have actively introduced French language education and academic research to Japan, or those who have contributed to cultural exchanges between Japan and France.

President Iwakiri has been enthusiastically involved in research and teaching in French literature and language, with a focus on the poetry of Baudelaire. In recent years, he has translated a number of French plays, ranging from the French classical tragedy "Phèdre" by Racine (directed by Tamiya Kuriyama, starring Shinobu Otake) to the contemporary play "ART" by Yasmina Reza (directed by Eriko Ogawa, starring Issey Ogata, Fumiyo Kohinata, and Yo Oizumi). In 2008, his translations of Jean Anouilh's "The Lark" (directed by Yukio Ninagawa, starring Takako Matsu) and Camus' "Caligula" (directed by Yukio Ninagawa, starring Shun Oguri) received high praise, and he was awarded the 15th Yuasa Yoshiko Prize (Translation and Screenplay Division ). These achievements have been recognized with this order.

At the ceremony, Ms. Frédérique Pénilla, acting cultural councilor at the French Embassy in Japan, gave a congratulatory speech, and President Iwakiri gave a speech of gratitude. Then, Professor Emeritus Takeshi Tamura of the University of Tokyo gave a congratulatory speech, followed by a toast by Hirotaka Takeuchi, Chair of the Board of Trustees of our university. Around 40 guests enjoyed the celebration.

Comment on receiving the honor

I feel honored and happy to receive the Ordre des Palmes académiques. The ceremony, which was held at the French Ambassor's residence, was a very warm and welcoming event, and it reminded me of the many people who have supported me throughout my life (although it is still a work in progress): classmates from my student days, teachers, fellow researchers, students, former colleagues, current colleagues... I will continue to serve as President of the University with a sense of gratitude, and I would like to contribute, however little, to cultural exchange between Japan and France.

President's Profile：https://www.icu.ac.jp/about/president/#profile