Conferment Ceremony of a Decoration on a Foreign National – Professor Nana Gelashvili, Head of Direction of Far East Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Tbilisi State University

On 19 June, Ambassador Ishizuka Hideki held a ceremony at the Ambassador’s Residence to present the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon to Professor Nana Gelashvili, Head of Direction of Far East Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Tbilisi State University, who was awarded with 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.

As the Head of the Direction of Far Eastern Studies in the Faculty of Humanities at Tbilisi State University, Professor Gelashvili has contributed to the promotion of Japanese studies and Japanese culture at the university for many years. She made a significant contribution to the field of empirical historical research on Asian history. One of the most outstanding of her contributions is the establishment of the university’s first Japanese Studies major program in 2023  In recognition of this achievement, she received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in August 2025.

Ambassador Ishizuka delivered a congratulatory address, commending Professor Gelashvili for her dedication to advancing Japanese studies in Georgia and fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. Following the presentation of the certificate and medal, Professor Gelashvili delivered a speech of appreciation.