Press Release: Decoration of the Order of the Rising Sun upon Professor Ian Gow OBE by the Government of Japan (April 29th)

On 29th April, the Government of Japan announced that Professor Ian Gow, Chairman of the Japan Society of Scotland will be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
 
Professor Gow has devoted his life to the study of Japan, helping to raise the profile of Japanese studies and has contributed to the establishment of Japan-related courses at several universities in the UK and abroad. Professor Gow played an instrumental role in the Centre for Japanese Studies at the University of Stirling obtaining official government recognition as the Scottish Centre for Japanese Studies. He was Scotland’s first professor of Japanese studies and launched Scotland’s first undergraduate and master’s degrees in Japanese studies and Europe's first business degrees focusing on Japan. Professor Gow made significant contributions in teaching and research in Japanese studies at UK universities including Aston, Warwick Sheffield and Nottingham and continues to contribute to the teaching of Japanese studies as an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh.
 
Professor Gow served as Chairman of the Japan Society of Scotland between 1988 and 1993, and again since 2020 taking the initiative in promoting friendly relations between Japan, UK and Scotland.
 
The Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh would like to recognize Professor Gow’s significant efforts over a long period of time and congratulates him on this commendation. The Consulate General hopes that the bonds of goodwill between Japan, Scotland and the wider UK, fostered by Professor Gow, will continue to develop.