From the Tikotin Museum in Haifa, Israel, we send warm Mazal Tov greetings to the Japan Foundation for the 50th Anniversary of The Japan Foundation Awards.

The Tikotin museum is situated in the center of the scenic Carmel Mountain in Haifa Israel. The museum's collection is based on the collection of the enthusiastic collector Felix Tikotin. Tikotin (1893-1986) first visited Israel in 1956. During that visit he decided that his collection, miraculously recovered twice, belonged in Israel. He helped to build the first exhibition hall of the Museum, purchased the Kisch House, and in 1960 the Museum of Japanese Art opened its doors to the public. Later, plans were made to expand the premises by the renowned Japanese architect Junzo Yoshimura. In 2003, the Israeli Ministry of Education and Culture Committee for Evaluating the Quality of Exhibitions and Collections ranked the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art second only to the Israel Museum in order of merit. In 2009, the Japanese Foreign Minister commended the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art for its exhibitions and for reinforcing the ties between Japan and Israel.

In 2000, the museum received the Japan Foundation Special Prize, which is conferred annually on individuals and institutions that make significant contributions to cultural exchanges with Japan, from the President of the Japan Foundation. On the occasion of receiving the award at a celebratory event, the representative of the museum, the former curator Dr. Ilana Singer, had the privilege of meeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

We are writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for awarding Tikotin Museum of Art the Japan Foundation Special Prize. This recognition means a great deal to us, and we are honored to be among the recipients of this prestigious prize.

We are deeply committed to promoting Japanese art and culture in Israel, and this award recognizes our efforts to create a bridge between our two countries. Since our establishment in 1959, we have strived to provide a space for the Israeli public to appreciate and learn about the diverse and rich world of Japanese art. Through our exhibitions, events, and educational programs, we have sought to foster an appreciation of the beauty, complexity, and depth of Japanese art.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Japan Foundation for its ongoing support of our work. Your organization has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to promote Japanese art and culture in Israel. From providing funding for exhibitions and educational programs to offering expert guidance and advice, your support has been crucial to our success.

This award is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters. We could not have achieved this without the unceasing efforts of our team, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our museum remains a vibrant and engaging space for all visitors. Their commitment to excellence has helped us to build a reputation as a leading institution for Japanese art in Israel.

We believe that the relationship between Israel and Japan is one that is based on mutual respect and admiration. While our two countries may be separated by distance, we share a deep appreciation for the arts and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and exchange. We are proud to be part of this tradition and hope to continue to build bridges between our two countries through the work that we do.

In conclusion, we would like to thank the Japan Foundation for this remarkable honor. It is a testament to our shared commitment to promoting Japanese art and culture. We look forward to continuing our work together and to building a stronger relationship between Israel and Japan through our shared love of the arts.

Etty Glass Gissis
Curator
The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art
Haifa Museums

(Original text in English)

The Japan Foundation Awards / Special Prizes (2000)