In recognition of its commitment to Japanese language education and cultural exchange, Randolph-Macon’s Department of Asian Studies was honored with the Ambassador’s Commendation from the Embassy of Japan on December 9.  

In a ceremony at the ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C., Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada presented a medal and certificate to representatives from three organizations, including President Robert R. Lindgren, who was joined at the event by members of the faculty and staff who teach courses that contribute to the Japanese Studies program. 

“[The] Ambassador of Japan extends his deepest regards to [the] Randolph-Macon College Department of Asian Studies, in recognition of its distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States,” read Ambassador Yamada, translating the text of the certificate from Japanese to English. 

“This award is a powerful tribute to the RMC faculty and staff who have taught Japanese and Japanese Studies courses, who have been steadfast supporters of the College’s special relationship with Japan, and who have pursued every opportunity to work together with the people of Japan in academic and cultural pursuits,” said Todd Munson, chair of the Asian Studies department, and founder and director of the Japanese Studies program.   

Randolph-Macon’s myriad opportunities for cultural exchange include yearly travel courses to Japan in numerous fields of study and regular exchanges through partnerships with a number of Japanese governmental and academic institutions. In addition to Japanese language courses, the College offers numerous courses on Japanese history, film, music, politics, and more that support a minor in Japanese Studies, in addition to majors and minors in Asian Studies. RMC also has active affiliations with sister institutions Kansai Gaidai University (Osaka); Rikkyo University (Tokyo); and Ishinomaki Senshu University (Miyagi).  Randolph-Macon also has the country’s only Japanese festival music and dancing troupe, Suzumebachi. 

Currently, Japan is a top destination for both short-term and long-term study abroad, and Japanese is the second highest enrolled language at the College.   

In remarks during the Commendation ceremony, President Lindgren reflected on the memory of Taylor Anderson ‘08, an alumna teaching in Japan whose death in the 2011 Great East Earthquake and Tsunami is a seminal and tragic part of this legacy of exchange.   

“Taylor’s dream was to build bridges between the peoples of Japan and the United States,” Lindgren said, praising Taylor’s parents, Andy and Jean Anderson, of Richmond, Virginia, for their ongoing work to continue Taylor’s legacy by fostering connections between the U.S. and Japan. After detailing the highlights of RMC’s continued exchange with Japan, President Lindgren concluded, “Indeed, Taylor’s Anderson’s bridge between our two great countries lives on.” 

Randolph-Macon professors who teach Japanese or have led travel courses in Japan joined Lindgren at the ceremony, including Munson, who has led seven courses there. The professors represent a range of disciplines outside of Asian studies, including classics, mathematics, music, nursing, political science, and religion. Director of the Office of International Education Mayumi Nakamura was also in attendance.   

The College was also celebrated for its decade-long role as host of Virginia’s prestigious Governor’s Foreign Language Academy in Japanese. Dr. Bartolo Natoli, who serves as Program Coordinator for the Governor’s World Language Academies, and Professor Kyle Maclauchlan, who directs the Japanese program, were both part of the RMC delegation. This summer program on campus extends Randolph-Macon’s role in Japanese language education even beyond higher education, inspiring and educating high school students each summer.