On Thursday 28 August 2025, the Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg announced that former language teacher Kazuhiko Kitayama had been honoured by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a Commendation for his work in Luxembourg.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Commendation was awarded for Mr Kitayama’s “significant contributions to the development and the promotion of Japanese language education in Luxembourg and to the promotion of mutual understanding between the two countries”.
Kazuhiko Kitayama taught Japanese classes at the Lycée Classique de Diekirch from 2007 and at Athénée de Luxembourg from 2012. He also contributed to Japanese language education in Luxembourg for seventeen years before his retirement in 2024.
The Foreign Minister awards Commendations to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.
The Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg will present the official certificate and a commemorative gift to Mr Kitayama at a later date.
