Among the 96 recipients of the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun decoration for 2016, announced Thursday by the Japanese government, are two Israelis: Professor Meron Medzini of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and architect Arie Kutz from Tel Aviv University. The Japanese government awards the decoration, which includes a medal and certificate of honor, every year to people who have contributed to Japan's international relationships and promoted its culture globally. The award ceremony will be held in the near future at the home of the Japanese ambassador in Israel. Kutz, 63, Friendship Society chairman at the Israel-Japan Chamber of Commerce, was granted the award for his work in advancing relations and mutual understanding between the two countries. Kutz is also a lecturer of Japanese architectural history at Tel Aviv University's East Asia Studies Department. "This is a surprise, wonderful joy and contentment," Kutz said of receiving the decoration. Medzini, 84, who teaches modern Japanese history in Asian Studies Department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, received the decoration for his contributions to advancing Japanese studies and fostering a deeper understanding of Japan in Israel.
