Patokh Chodiev Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun
Patokh Chodiev, a Japanologist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and member of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, received one of the most prestigious awards in Japan, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his active long-standing contribution to the strengthening of economic and cultural ties between Japan and Russia. One year earlier, President Vladimir Putin issued a decree awarding Chodiev the Order of Friendship for fostering Russian-Japanese cultural relations.
For over 20 years, Chodiev has been involved in scientific and humanitarian projects and the promotion of international cultural exchanges. The International Chodiev Foundation, which he established in 1996, implements extensive work through their Japanese branch. In recent years, ICF has supported significant cultural events in both Russia and Japan. Russia has hosted J-Fest, the largest and most vibrant festival of contemporary Japanese art, for 10 years in a row. In Japan, the Festival of Russian Culture has been held annually since 2015, featuring stars of the Russian ballet and opera and leading artists. In 2019, the Foundation provided considerable assistance in organizing the Year of the Russo-Japanese Cultural Exchange.
ICF’s most recent cultural projects have included exhibitions of Itchiku Kubota’s unique kimonos and the 2018 tour of Shochiku Grand Kabuki, the famous traditional theater, from Tokyo to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Toyohisa Kozuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Russia, offered his congratulations to Chodiev via telephone, saying, “Thanks to ICF and you personally, the cultural dialogue between Russia and Japan has been making especially significant strides in recent years, enabling the organization of quality and meaningful cultural events that promote a deeper mutual understanding of our peoples.”
“As a Russian citizen and a Japanologist, I care about the development of Russo-Japanese relations. Culture, art, national spirit, customs, business rules, and tourism are all matters of keen mutual interest. Receiving such high awards from both Russia and Japan almost simultaneously gives me great pride, and I am deeply moved. I will continue to support cooperation between these two countries to the best of my ability,” said Chodiev.
Olga Monakhova, Director of the Representative Office of the International Chodiev Foundation