On Tuesday 20 October, the British Embassy hosted a special reception to welcome the laureates of the 2009 Praemium Imperiale, awarded by the Japan Arts Association.  

The Praemium Imperiale is one of Japan's most prestigious arts prizes, recognising international achievements in the arts and related fields.  This year 4 of the 5 laureates are British-based - it is the first time in the 21-year history of the Praemium Imperiale that so many laureates have come from one country.  This year's laureates are:

• Sir Tom Stoppard (playwright)
• Richard Long (artist/sculptor)
• Ms Zaha Hadid (architect)
• Alfred Brendel (musician)
• Hiroshi Sugimoto (photographer)

At the reception, this year's laureates were able to meet a range of distinguished guests from Japan's artistic and cultural fields, as well as from government and business.

Speaking at the reception, British Ambassador David Warren said "It is a particular priviledge this year to host this reception in the British Embassy to mark the fact that for the first time ever four of the Praemium Imperiale Laureates are connected with Britain.  This year's laureates are international artists of the highest calibre and we are very proud to be part of this celebration of their international achievements".  

For more information, please visit the Praemium Imperiale website [www.praemiumimperiale.org]

 

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