Oregonian to Receive 2022 Spring Commendation from the Government of Japan
On April 29, 2022 (Japan Standard Time), the Japanese government announced the recipients of the 2022 Spring Commendations, among them Laurence Richard Kominz.
Dr. Laurence Richard Kominz will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon this year in recognition of his contributions to the introduction of Japanese culture in the United States, and to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.
Commendation: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Summary of Achievements: Contributed to the introduction of Japanese culture in the United
States and to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States
Name: Laurence Richard Kominz
Major Titles: Professor of Japanese Language and Literature, Department of World Languages and Literatures, Portland State University
Address (Nationality): Portland, Oregon (U.S.A.)
Dr. Kominz in kyogen performance in Provincetown MA, 2019
Dr. Laurence Richard Kominz played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Center for Japanese Studies at Portland State University and has contributed to the expansion of Japanese studies and Japanese language education at the university through the operation of the Center. He has also played a vital role in the development of academic research on traditional Japanese culture and the promotion of cultural exchange between Japan and the United States by publishing books and academic papers on Japanese classical performing arts, contributing to specialized journals, and giving lectures.
He himself has trained as a performer of Japanese classical theater under Kyogen and Nihon buyo (dance) masters, giving more than 75 performances and lectures on Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki in both Japan and the United States.
Dr. Kominz singing gidayû with Mitch Iimori playing gidayû shamisen
This year again, from May 25 to 28, a Kabuki performance ("The Sardine Seller's Net of Love" by Yukio Mishima) will be presented by students under the direction of Dr. Kominz at Portland State University. Don't miss it!
(All photos courtesy of Dr. Kominz)