Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony for Dr. Marie Christine Anchordoguy, Professor Emerita and Former Chair of the Japan Studies Program, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington

　On September 24, 2024, a conferment ceremony and reception were held at the Official Residence to congratulate Dr. Marie Christine Anchordoguy, Professor Emerita and Former Chair of the Japan Studies Program, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, on her receipt of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation. Dr. Anchordoguy’s family, friends, colleagues, and many others were in attendance.

　Consul General of Japan in Seattle IYORI Makoto expressed his appreciation for Dr. Anchordoguy’s many years of continued contributions and formally conferred the Commendation. Dr. Anchordoguy spoke about the joy of researching and teaching Japanese culture and economics at the University of Washington, a pioneer and still one of the leading universities in Japan studies, as well as her work with The Journal of Japanese Studies. She expressed gratitude for the honor of receiving the Commendation and thanked all guests and staff for attending the ceremony. 

　Dr. Anchordoguy earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and taught at the University of Washington from 1989 until her retirement in 2024, having served as Chair of the Japan Studies program on three occasions. In addition to being co-editor of The Journal of Japanese Studies, one of the most prestigious journals in her field, for over 10 years, she worked as a consultant to the U.S. government and various technology companies, and is currently researching Japanese efforts to develop an ecosystem for startups backed by venture capital. Her research on the political economy of Japan has earned recognition both in the United States and internationally, earning grants and awards from leading research institutions.