Japan recognises three Indian cultural promoters

chennai: the consul-general of japan in chennai, mr. takahashi muneo, honored three prominent indian figures for their contributions to promoting japanese culture and language in india with the prestigious foreign minister's commendation award for fy2024.at a ceremony held on october 16 at the consulate-general of japan in chennai, mr. takahashi muneo, consul-general of japan, presented the foreign minister's commendation award to three distinguished individuals: mr. k. asok kumar, director, institute of japanese studies and the alumni society of aots, trivandrum centre; mr. subramaniam haribabu, shihan, president and technical director of shorei-kan karate-do-asia h.q. and ryu kyu kobudo hozonkai india h.q.; and mr. chilaka sriramulu rajagopal, vice-president, tamil nadu judo association.mr. k. asok kumar received the award in recognition of his significant efforts in promoting the japanese language across india, particularly in kerala, through his extensive teaching activities.mr. subramaniam haribabu was honored for his dedication to advancing japanese martial arts, including karate and kobudo, among students in tamil nadu and beyond.mr. chilaka sriramulu rajagopal was acknowledged for his work in popularizing judo in india, teaching the sport to students throughout tamil nadu and other regions.inhis address, mr. takahashi praised the awardees for their remarkable contributions to fostering cultural exchanges between japan and india and expressed his hopes that they will continue to strengthen the ties of friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.