The Order of the Rising Sun to Martine Thérouanne, Director and co-founder of the Vesoul International Festival of Asian Cinema

The Consul General of Japan in Strasbourg, Mr. Takeshi AKAMATSU, handed over on Friday 25 September 2020 the insignia of the Order of the Rising Sun, Rayons d’Or avec Rosette, to Madame Martine THEROUANNE, Director of the International Festival of Asian Cinemas in Vesoul, for her contribution to the promotion of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and France through Japanese cinema.

The Order of the Rising Sun was created on April 10, 1875 by Emperor Meiji to reward exceptional merits; The list of foreign personalities to whom this distinction was awarded for the promotion of autumn 2019, and on which Madame Thérouanne appears, was published by the Government of Japan on November 3, 2019.

( https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000533919.pdf )

The ceremony took place in the residence of the Consul General of Japan in Strasbourg. Due to the rigorous precautions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held in the presence of a small circle of FICA collaborators and relatives of the recipient.

In his address, Consul General Akamatsu underlined the important contribution made by the International Festival of Asian Cinemas in Vesoul to a better knowledge, in France and beyond, of cinematography and more generally of Japanese culture. He recalled that FICA has screened more than 200 Japanese films during its 26 editions, and has organized many complementary cultural events relating to Japan. Mr. Akamatsu expressed his deep gratitude to Mrs. Martine Thérouanne, who has devoted herself for many years to the promotion of Asian cultures, supported in this by her husband and the many volunteers of FICA.

Mrs. Thérouanne spoke in return of her long-standing passion for travel and cultural exchanges, her particular interest in Japan, and the happiness that is hers to have been able to live this passion in the company of the faithful festival team.