History Professor Jacob Kovalio has been honoured with the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in the third year of Reiwa by the Government of Japan. The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. On behalf of everyone in the History Department, congratulations Professor Kovalio for this amazing and well-deserved achievement!
Professor Kovalio was also warmly congratulated by the Japan Foundation:
The Japan Foundation recognizes and commends you for your scholarly contributions through decades of distinguished work in the study of Japan in Canada and your efforts to foster academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Canada.
Your many years of leadership as an educator and organizer has helped to deepen Canada-Japan relations, especially through your dedicated involvement with the Japanese Studies Association of Canada. We are certain that your great experience and counsel will continue to be invaluable as we move forward in strengthening the bonds of friendship between our countries.
It brings us great pride to see a former Japan Foundation Research Fellow receive such a high honor, and we offer you our sincere thanks for your extensive service and valuable contributions to the international community.