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Recipient of the 2014 Foreign Minister's Commendation
Dr. Laurel Rasplica Rodd
On Thursday, July 24th the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced recipients of the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation for 2014, including one individual from within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Denver. Dr. Laurel Rasplica Rodd of Colorado will be conferred with the Foreign Minister's Commendation for her outstanding contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and goodwill between the people of Japan and the United States.
Dr. Laurel Rodd has taught Japanese language in the United States for 40 years, and has been instrumental for the foundation of the Colorado Japanese Language Education Association (CJLEA) which is a Japanese teacher's organization in Colorado and Wyoming. As a scholar of Japanese literature, she is famous for numerous works including the award-winning translation of "Kokinshu", an anthology of Japanese classic poetry. She also took a leading role in the foundation of the major Asian study institute in Colorado, the Center for Asian Studies in the University of Colorado Boulder.
In keeping with the high ideals represented by this award, the Consulate-General of Japan at Denver is honored to offer its sincere congratulations to Dr. Rodd for this deserved recognition of her long service to the community. An official conferment ceremony will be held at the Residence of the Consul General in Denver in due course, to be announced at a later date.