Professor Dapo Akande receives Foreign Minister's Commendation from the Government of Japan

Congratulations to Professor Dapo Akande, Chichele Professor of Public International Law, who has been awarded a Foreign Minister's Commendation by the Government of Japan. The commendation recognises his significant contributions to the promotion of the rule of law in the international community.

The Foreign Minister's Commendations honour individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, celebrating their role in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Japan and other countries. In 2025, the awards were presented to 173 individuals and 58 groups worldwide.

Professor Akande's commendation was formally presented by Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom, at a ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in London just before Christmas. Professor Akande said: "It is a tremendous honour to receive this commendation from the Government of Japan – particularly because Japan has been so insistent on the importance of the rule of law in international affairs. It has been a pleasure to work with officials from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this shared endeavour of promoting and strengthening international law."