PROF. DR. OĞUZ BAYKARA AWARDED THE “ORDER OF THE RISING SUN, GOLD RAYS WITH ROSETTE” BY THE EMPIRE OF JAPAN

Prof. Dr. Oğuz Baykara, an emeritus faculty member of the Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies at Boğaziçi University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, actively taught in the department between 2004 and 2019. Since 2010, our professor has continued to lecture within the Asian Studies Master’s Program and serves as the Vice President of the Japan Studies Association (JAD). On April 21, 2026, Prof. Baykara was decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, at a ceremony held at the Consulate Residence, hosted by the Consul General of Japan in Istanbul, His Excellency Iwama Ryōji, and his esteemed wife, Iwama Eiko. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Selçuk Esenbel, Asst. Prof. Z. Hale Eroğlu, and Lecturer Yuriko Öncü from our university's Asian Studies Master’s Program, with our student Doğukan Günday serving as the videographer.

In his speech during the presentation of the order, Consul General Iwama Ryōji highlighted Prof. Baykara’s work and contributions toward the dissemination and understanding of Japanese culture. Mr. Iwama expressed his profound respect for Baykara’s long-term dedication, spanning fifteen years, to translating "The Tale of Genji," written by Murasaki Shikibu 1,000 years ago and recognized as the world's first novel, into Turkish. Mr. Iwama also emphasized the significance of the "Basic Japanese-Turkish Dictionary" prepared by Prof. Baykara for Japanese language education in Türkiye. Furthermore, he underlined the contribution of Baykara’s work within the Japan Studies Association (JAD) to the mutual understanding between Japanese and Turkish cultures. Concluding his remarks, Consul General Iwama drew attention to the importance of human communication and understanding for the peace and stability of the international community. In the context of growing concerns regarding the current regional situation, he stated that cultures must understand and accurately represent one another, emphasizing that Prof. Dr. Oğuz Baykara’s work serves as an excellent example in this regard. Following his speech, the Consul General pinned the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette" onto Prof. Baykara’s lapel and presented him with the official handwritten certificate of the order, bearing the seals of the Emperor of Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

In his acceptance speech delivered in both Japanese and Turkish, Prof. Dr. Oğuz Baykara described the order as meaningful evidence of the enduring bond between Japan and Türkiye—two nations rich in cultural values. Highlighting the vast wisdom and insight inherent in Japanese literature, culture, and philosophy, Prof. Baykara stated that through his works and translations, he aimed to bridge the distance between our geographies and ignite curiosity and appreciation for the beauty of Japanese literature in Türkiye. Expressing that this award proves language is not merely a tool for communication but a vehicle for sharing understanding and emotions, Baykara shared his belief that by sharing our stories, experiences, and literatures, we can foster a spirit of unity, harmony, and respect between diverse societies. Baykara concluded his speech with the words of the great Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō, “Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home,” inviting everyone to embrace the richness of differences and celebrate the common values of humanity in our daily journeys. The ceremony concluded with a reading of Miyazawa Kenji’s poem "Ame ni mo makezu!" (Strong in the Rain), first in its original Japanese and then in Prof. Baykara’s Turkish translation.

Following the ceremony, a reception hosted by Consul General His Excellency Iwama Ryōji and his wife, Mrs. Iwama Eiko, brought together academics and administrators from Yeditepe, Boğaziçi, and Istanbul Universities, executives of the Japan Studies Association (JAD), faculty members of the Boğaziçi Asian Studies Master’s Program, publishers, editors, and Baykara’s students researching Japanese culture.

This award marks the second honor bestowed upon Prof. Dr. Oğuz Baykara, who was previously granted the “Consul General’s Award” by the Consulate General of Japan in Istanbul in 2020.