It is my great pleasure to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Japan Foundation Award.

Our Society, The Asiatic Society of Japan (ASJ) was awarded the 1982 Special Prize from the Japan Foundation. Our history goes back further. The ASJ is honored to publish 150th Anniversary Edition this year as a proof that the ASJ, established in 1872, has successfully overcome the recent organizational transition and is moving forward towards a promising future. Allow me to take this opportunity to share with you some of the ASJ achievements gained in the recent years.

Our activities had been seriously disrupted by the spread of the corona pandemic. But owing to the untiring efforts of devoted members, the ASJ has now established itself as a unique scholarly and intellectual platform in Japanese and Asian studies. The imperative to prevent the spread of the pandemic forced the world to resort to the “on-line” communication method which as a consequence opened a new horizon for the ASJ. Now, it is able to reach out to members and friends world-wide. Out of the 10 outstanding lectures held in 2022, 4 lectures were given from abroad. In 2023 the same numbers apply as well.

The Young Scholars Program (YSP), started in 2006, was markedly invigorated. Since it has become possible to participate on-line, the YSP can now invite ambitious and motivated young scholars from all over the world. In 2022, we had 11 excellent applications and it was indeed very difficult to choose the final 4 participants including 2 from overseas. In 2023 we received 12 applications out of which 10 are from abroad. The YSP will without doubt continue to offer eye-opening stimulation in Japanese and Asian studies and would contribute in connecting young scholars internationally.

At the same time, it is important to resume face-to-face events. The first face-to-face meeting in three years was finally held on March 27, 2023. Face-to-face meetings are important for the members to socialize and to inspire each other directly. It would not be possible for the ASJ to sustain itself without convening on-site events. I hope that with the decreasing risk of the pandemic, the ASJ can resume face-to-face meetings alongside with its on-line events so that the good and longstanding tradition of the ASJ can be revived.

I would like to express my special gratitude and respect to our Honorary Patron, HIH Princess Takamado for her warm and invaluable support. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the unshakable conviction of HIH in the value of the ASJ that enabled the ASJ to prevail during the time of the difficulties. I am confident that the ASJ will further develop as the most valuable platform for Japanese and Asian studies under the leadership of the new Board and all the dedicated members as well as with the continued warm attention of our Honorary Patron.

Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to all the dedicated members and friends of the Japan Foundation Award for its 50th Anniversary. I wish the Foundation all the best.

HIROKI Shigeyuki
Representative Director
The Asiatic Society of Japan

(Original text in Japanese and English)

Awards and Special Prizes: Recipients List 1973 - 1995