The Foreign Minister's Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries in the area.

- I am of course very happy and am looking forward to receive the award from the Japanese Ambassador at an ceremony taking place at his residence, says Marie Söderberg. My research is important as it consistently focuses on Japan, the world's third largest economy that according to my view is not getting enough attention these days.