Dr. Fumie Kato, Associate Professor at UNCC, awarded Foreign Minister's Commendation

    On February 18, a reception was held in honor of Dr. Fumie Kato, Associate Professor of Japanese in the Department of Languages and Culture Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), to present her with the “Foreign Minister's Commendations in Honor of the 70th Anniversary of the End of the War with the United States.” This award was presented last year on behalf the Minister of Foreign Affairs to recognize individuals and groups from across the United States that have made outstanding achievements in promoting friendship between Japan and the United States in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. At UNCC, Dr. Kato has both developed the highly successful Japanese major and also has sent a record number of students on exchanges to Japan.

    UNCC Chancellor Philip L. Dubois offered his congratulations to Dr. Fumie noting that UNCC is very proud to have one of the highest number of students of Japanese studies in the state. He also mentioned her hard work in developing relationships with seven Japanese universities, including Tohoku University, Sophia University, and Doshisha University, which has given many students a chance to visit Japan. Representing her fellow students, Japanese major Olivia Eyring presented a speech in excellent Japanese, stating, “We are grateful for your guidance, Professor Kato. Congratulations!” Dr. Kato then spoke, explaining, “When I began teaching at UNCC, I was the only Japanese professor. Now, there are seven of us to help guide, like the well-known film Seven Samurai.” She stated that along with reflecting on the development of the Japanese Department, she is also enthusiastic about its future growth and improvement.

    Consul General Shinozuka was able to meet with students studying Japanese at UNCC. During this meeting, three students who studied abroad at Sophia University shared their experiences and introduced the various Japan-related clubs and their activities at UNCC. Japanese students currently on exchange at UNCC also shared their impressions from their time so far at the university.

From left: Chancellor Phil Dubois, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Nancy Gutierrez, Dr. Fumie Kato, Consul General Shinozuka, Japanese major Olivia Eyring