Order of the Rising sun for Doreen

[Akinomaki 40,822]

 

Among the long list of people for the Autumn awards of the Order of the rising sun http://www.asahi.com/articles/DA3S13211271.html

in the group for 5th class 旭日双光章 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Rising_Sun 5th classs

we have: シモンズ・ドリン（英、ＮＨＫ大相撲中継英語解説者）８５

Simmons, Doreen (English, NHK Ozumo broadcast English commentator)

Edited November 3, 2017 by Akinomaki

[Mattjila 0]

Big Congrats!

[Jejima 1,427]

[Akinomaki 40,822]

At the autumn awards, published for Culture day (Nov. 3rd) by several different ministry, 4103 persons were honoured, among them

Quote

149 foreign nationals on November 3 (32 out of recipients are women)

from the Foreign ministry announcement  http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/info/conferment/index.html

-> http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000304482.pdf on page 38:

Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays

Services: Contributed to introduction and diffusion of Japanese culture by explaining Sumo in English

Major Titles: *NHK Sumo English commentator *English reviwer at the House of Representatives, House of Councilors and the National DietLibrary *Former English reviwer at the Foreign Press Centre

Name: Simmons Doreen
Age: 85
Address (Nationality): Tokyo, Japan (U.K.)

(they should have asked Doreen to check the English page)

on the Japanese page http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/protocol/jokun.html -> http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/000304481.pdf

旭双
英語による大相撲の発信を通じた日本文化の紹介・普及に寄与
現 ＮＨＫ大相撲 中継英語解説者

現 衆議院、参議院及び 国立国会図書館に おける英文校閲担当

元 ﾌｫｰﾘﾝ･ﾌﾟﾚｽ･ｾﾝﾀｰ 英文校正担当
シモンズ・ドリン （女）Simmons Doreen （８５歳）
英国 東京都墨田区

 

Edit: Only 3 of the 149 foreigners are living in Japan http://www.sankei.com/life/news/171103/lif1711030011-n11.html

Edited November 4, 2017 by Akinomaki

[Fukurou 534]

Congratulations Doreen!  The badge is beautiful 

Wikipedia says this is "awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the following fields: international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment."  I imagine you're in some great company. (5th class, with case, image from eMedals)

 

 

Edited November 4, 2017 by Fukurou

[ScreechingOwl 343]

Doreen has done so much to increase Westerners understanding of the history and culture of sumo. I always enjoyed the days she was on the NHK broadcast and appreciate all the interesting information she gave which enriched my appreciation for the sport. The honour is well deserved. 

[sekitori 492]

I have followed Doreen for many years on the NHK English language broadcasts. She is a very entertaining commentator whose remarks have greatly added to my knowledge of sumo. She has my most sincere congratulations for achieving such a great honor. 

Edited November 6, 2017 by sekitori

[Haruibono 11]

Doreen's commentary on the bilingual broadcast of NHK Sumo helped me understand so very much of the finer detail of the games.

Congratulations Doreen. Well deserved.

[Kintamayama 45,547]

Article

[Fukurou 534]

3 hours ago, Kintamayama said:

Article

Terrific article and a wonderful interview with Doreen. The video is worth the viewing time too. I just love the photo of her with the rikishi

[Kintamayama 45,547]

On a personal note-I got to know her thru the old ML around 1997. When I first returned to Japan in 1998 I knew no one there-she was not only helpful, but helpful with all her heart and soul. She is an incredible woman-witty, down to earth and with a heart as wide as it gets. Whenever I asked her for some help she would immediately do her best, even though she is, in her own words, " a very busy woman".. Here's a glass of beer raised to you in admiration, Doreen!

OK, back to generlly unfriendly mode..

[Big Time 1]

I love it everytime Doreen is commentating on the NKH. She's just a goldmine of interesting sumo facts, and she's just adorable. Congratulations Doreen, you rock!