UCLA International Institute, September 27, 2021 — Hitoshi Abe, director of the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies and UCLA Terasaki Professor of Contemporary Japanese Studies, has received a 2021 Foreign Minister’s Commendation from the government of Japan.

The honor is bestowed annually on outstanding organizations and individuals whose work in international fields has significantly promoted friendship between Japan and other countries.

A professional architect (Atelier Hitoshi Abe) and professor of architecture and urban design at the School of Arts and Architecture, Abe joined the faculty of UCLA in 2007. He became director of the Terasaki Center in 2010. He was awarded a Foreign Minister’s Commendation in recognition of his contributions to U.S.-Japan understanding and academic exchange.

“I am very honored to receive this commendation and look forward to continuing to enhance friendship and goodwill between the U.S. and Japan. We consider this goal a major part of the UCLA Terasaki Center’s mission,” said Abe.

Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Akiro Muta will confer the commendation on Professor Abe at a small ceremony in October, followed by a dinner at his private residence.