#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Foundation #Marty Gross #Jeong Gi-Young

The 2025 International Exchange Foundation Award Ceremony

On October 22, 2025, the prestigious International Exchange Foundation Award ceremony took place in Tokyo, Japan, celebrating the remarkable contributions of two distinguished recipients: Marty Gross and Jeong Gi-Young. This year marks the 52nd iteration of the award, which began in 1973—is an initiative by the Japan Foundation (JF) to recognize individuals or organizations that have significantly contributed to cultural exchange, Japanese language education, and international dialogue.

Celebrating Notable Achievements

The ceremony witnessed the gathering of approximately 180 attendees, including influential figures from cultural sectors, educational institutions, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador in charge of Public Diplomacy, Hideo Suzuki, extended warm congratulations to both awardees while expressing appreciation for their extensive efforts in promoting international exchanges.

Marty Gross: A Vanguard of Japanese Arts

Marty Gross, a Canadian filmmaker and consultant, has dedicated his life to showcasing Japan's traditional arts on the global stage. At 77 years old, Gross’s pivotal work began with the 1980 film "Bunraku: The Tale of the Dying Feet," which played a key role in introducing Bunraku—a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater—to audiences outside Japan. His extensive contributions also include working as a consultant on the distribution of classic Japanese films in North America, where he conducted numerous interviews with important figures in the film industry.

Currently, Gross is engaged in a significant project called the "Mingei Film Archive," which aims to unearth, restore, and publicize footage from the Mingei Movement—an artistic movement focused on finding beauty in everyday craftsmanship from the 1930s to the 1970s. By revitalizing these historical records, Gross is preserving the spirit of the Mingei philosophy for contemporary audiences.

Jeong Gi-Young: Promoting Japanese Language and Education

Jeong Gi-Young, 62, is a prominent figure in the realm of Japanese language education in South Korea, with over three decades of experience. He founded the Japanese Language Integration Faculty at Busan University of Foreign Studies, establishing the largest hub for Japanese language education in South Korea with over 1,000 students enrolled. Jeong is known for embracing innovative educational methods such as ICT integration and Can-do assessments, pushing the boundaries of language education.

In addition to his work in academia, Jeong has executed various community initiatives, including cleaning activities for marine debris in Tsushima and facilitating employment support for students in Japanese companies. His leadership in cross-cultural communication serves as a testament to his commitment to fostering understanding and friendship between Japan and South Korea.

Ceremony Highlights

The event was opened by Shinya Kurosawa, the Chairman of JF, followed by congratulatory remarks from Ambassador Suzuki and part of the selection committee introduced. During the ceremony, each awardee was presented with a certificate of appreciation and was given the floor to share their thoughts.

Marty Gross reminisced about his long-standing relationship with the JF, detailing key milestones over the decades, including his first project funded by them back in the 1970s. His heartfelt acknowledgment of those who supported his journey, including his interactions with the late British potter Bernard Leach, illustrated the profound impact of such relationships throughout his career.

On the other hand, Jeong expressed his gratitude and excitement for receiving the award, reflecting on how his encounter with the Japanese language at the age of 18 transformed his aspirations. He highlighted his mission to nurture future generations of Japanese language speakers and foster harmonic relations between Japan and Korea.

Looking Ahead

As the ceremony concluded with a joyful photo session among the recipients and attendees, both awardees reaffirmed their commitment to their respective causes. Gross's call for continued support for his ongoing projects, particularly the "Mingei Film Archive," paired with Jeong's aspirations for further educational advancements, showcased the vital role of cultural exchange in a global context.

The Japan Foundation remains a leading entity dedicated to enriching international cultural exchange through language and dialogue, continuing to forge bonds between Japan and the world.

For more details on their initiatives, visit the Japan Foundation website.