The University of Western Australia’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Community and Engagement) Professor Kent Anderson has been awarded a Japanese Foreign Minister’s commendation for exceptional service in promoting a mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.

An international lawyer who specialises in comparing Asian legal systems and who started his academic career as Associate Professor at Hokkaido University Law School in Japan, Professor Anderson—a former vice-president of the ASAA—was recognised for his promotion of Japanese language education in Australia.

The Consul-General of Japan in Perth, Mr Masanobu Yoshii, said that Professor Anderson’s contribution to Japanese studies in Australia, particularly in the area of Japanese law, had led to a ‘fundamentally deeper level of mutual understanding’ between Australia and Japan.

Before joining UWA Professor Anderson was Pro Vice Chancellor (International) at the University of Adelaide and prior to that Foundational Director of the School of Culture, History and Language at the Australian National University.