Conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Government of Japan upon Mrs Deborah Christian Hathorn
Press Release, 3rd November 2017
Conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Government of Japan upon Mrs Deborah Christian Hathorn
1. On 3rd November, the Government of Japan announced that Mrs Deborah C. Hathorn will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.
2. Mrs Hathorn began learning ikebana in 1972, gaining a teaching qualification in 1975 and joining Ikebana International* in 1980. Through ikebana she has contributed to international exchange and friendship not only between Japan and Scotland, but other countries as well.
3. Mrs Hathorn continues to actively participate in workshops, demonstrations and conferences held both within the UK and overseas, and makes efforts towards the continuation and promulgation of ikebana. The range of Mrs Hathorn’s activities is very broad; as well as her participation in Ikebana International, Mrs Hathorn is also involved with exhibitions at galleries and festivals in Edinburgh City and surrounding areas. Furthermore, since establishing the Edinburgh Sogetsu Study Group in 1984, she has continued to promote ikebana through carrying out practical teaching and compiling necessary teaching materials.
4. The Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh pays homage to Mrs Hathorn’s significant efforts over a long period of time and congratulates her on this commendation. The Consulate hopes for the further strengthening of the relations between Japan and Scotland/the UK on the basis of the bond of goodwill established by Mrs Hathorn’s work.
*Founded in 1956, Ikebana International is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
For inquiries, provision of photographs and interview requests related to this matter, please contact the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh.
（Phone: 0131-225-4777、Fax: 0131-225-4828, info@ed.mofa.go.jp）