At the Society’s Annual Dinner held on 22nd November, H.I.H. Princess Akiko of Mikasa presented inscribed silverware to Ms Elizabeth Oliver and Mr Tadayoshi Tazaki, the recipients of this year’s Japan-British Society Awards, for their contributions to the furthering of Anglo-Japanese relations.

Ms Elizabeth Oliver founded Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) in 1990, which has rescued, cared for, loved and rehomed thousands of abandoned, abused, stolen and homeless animals, and introduced major global standards to vastly improve animal adoption and welfare in Japan. Despite many setbacks – such as threats of violence and arson by gangsters, hoarders, criminals, as well as earthquakes and near bankruptcy – ARK continues to recover, operate effectively, expand and enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with respected overseas organisations, donors, adopters, supporters, volunteers and authorities. She has been instrumental in introducing modern standards for animal adoption and welfare in Japan, such as screening applicants, early neutering, volunteering, and providing animals with adequate cage-free space, exercise, healthy nutrition and professional medical care.

Mr Tadayoshi Tazaki is a businessperson with significant business links between Japan and UK. After graduating from high school in Tokyo in 1962, he decided to study on his own in UK and entered Kingswood School, public school in Bath, to study A levels. He was then accepted by Downing College, Cambridge University, and studied there assisted by a student loan, specifically granted for him by the College. Inspired by his experience of studying in UK with scholarship assistance, and wanting to give back and allow young Japanese opportunities he had, he set up the Tazaki Foundation in 2016. The Foundation provides scholarship for 16-year-old high school students to study A level in public schools and through university education in UK. The scholarship grant amounts to 40 million yen per student over the period of five years, and is awarded to five students per year. This impressive initiative will no doubt play a significant role in cultivating the future generation who will carry forward the UK-Japan relationship.