Roger Pulvers, an Australian playwright and contributor to The Japan Times, and four others were recognized Friday by the Cultural Affairs Agency for helping to promote Japanese culture overseas.
The commendation by the commissioner of cultural affairs was established this year to credit individuals for their outstanding contribution to Japanese culture while promoting international cultural understanding.
Pulvers, 65, professor at the Center for the Study of World Civilizations of Tokyo Institute of Technology, was honored for his longtime contribution to the field of Japanese literature and theater. His numerous works include translations of Kenji Miyazawa and Hisashi Inoue and serving as associate director for the 1983 movie "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence," directed by Nagisa Oshima.
Brian Masuda, 56, a Dutch national who is the head coach of the Opera Studio of New National Theatre, Tokyo, was recognized for his role in educating professional opera singers who perform globally.