Consul-General Mikami hosts Award Ceremony for Professor Bonnie Clark, Department of Anthropology, University of Denver (May 24, 2023)

On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, an award ceremony for the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY 2022 was held at the Residence of the Consul-General. The Commendation was presented to Professor Bonnie Clark, Department of Anthropology, University of Denver, by Consul-General Mikami.

Professor Bonnie Clark, using her knowledge of anthropology, launched the Amache Project at the University of Denver in 2005 to excavate the site of Camp Amache where Japanese Americans were forcefully sent during World War II. Professor Bonnie Clark promoted the project within the local community as well.

The professor’s activities have increased the historical evaluation and importance of the site, and the site was recognized as a National Historic Site on March 18th, 2022.

She also contributed greatly to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. by educating the public about the history and culture of Japanese and Japanese-American incarceration through various lectures and writing activities.

Professor Clark’s family and friends, officials from University of Denver, and Camp Amache detainees and their descendants were in attendance.

[Note] The Foreign Minster’s Commendation is awarded to recognize the achievements of individuals and groups that have made significant contributions toward promoting friendly relations between Japan and other countries, and we ask all levels of the Japanese public for further understanding and support for the awardee's activities.