Soai ``I felt the history of the country'' at the Order of Culture parent award ceremony at the Imperial Palace

On the 3rd, Culture Day, the ceremony for awarding the Order of Culture was held at the Imperial Palace. Seven people attended, including Kenzo Go (76), professor emeritus at Tokyo University of Science, who was selected to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and His Majesty the Emperor handed out the medal.

His Majesty said to the recipients, ``I am truly pleased that you have worked hard for many years, achieved great achievements, and contributed to the improvement of culture.''

Other award recipients include lighting designer Mikiko Ishii (88), architect Toyo Ito (85), biological science specialist Tsuneyoshi Kuroiwa (84), French literature specialist Tetsuya Shiokawa (81), composer and former Agency for Cultural Affairs Commissioner Shunichi Tokura (78), and immunologist Shigekazu Osada (77). Shigeru Miyamoto (73), a Nintendo representative director and fellow who worked on popular games such as the ``Super Mario'' series, was absent.

After the ceremony, the seven award recipients held a press conference. When Go received the medal, he said, ``I really felt the long and profound history of our country.'' Looking ahead to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry ceremony in December, he said, ``I want to carry the honor on my shoulders.'' Tokura said with deep emotion, ``I believe that I was able to represent my predecessors whom I respect.''