Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Photo by Marla Keown
Andrew T. Tsubaki, professor emeritus of theatre and film at the University of Kansas receives the Order of the Sacred Treasure ("Zuihou Shojushou") Friday night. The Order of the Sacred Trasure was granted by the Emperor of Japan, and was handed down to Tsubaki by the Consulate General of Japan, Kenji Shinoda. "This is wonderful," said Tsubaki "not just for me, but for all of the Kansas City area." Tsubaki was recognized not only for his teaching, but for serving as the Executive Director of the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival since 1997.
Andrew Tsubaki, professor emeritus of theatre and film at the University of Kansas, received an award on behalf of the emperor of Japan Friday.
Tsubaki received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, recognizing his lifetime devotion to spreading Japanese culture through education. The award was affixed with the great seal from the imperial power of Japan.
Kenji Shinoda, consulate general of Japan presented Tsubaki with a medal and a large, framed award at a ceremony at the Marriott Country Club Plaza Hotel in Kansas City, Mo.
“Dr. Tsubaki has brought the best of Japanese culture to Kansas and Missouri and across the Midwest,” Shinoda said.
Tsubaki taught and directed theater productions at the University from 1968 to 2000. He said he enjoyed directing because it allowed him to lead a group of people to “create his image.”
“After I got to KU in 1968, I started directing and I found joy in being a director,” he said.
Ron Willis, retired department chair of theatre and film and film director, worked with Tsubaki until retiring.
“Talking about Andrew is a pleasure,” Willis said. “He is such a pleasant man and extremely kind and gentle. He is an outstanding contributor to this country’s awareness of Japanese culture in general and more specifically, theatre.”
“Talking about Andrew is a pleasure,” Willis said. “He is such a pleasant man and extremely kind and gentle. He is an outstanding contributor to this country’s awareness of Japanese culture in general and more specifically, theatre.”
Tsubaki retired in 2000 but continues to teach martial arts classes. Shinoda said Tsubaki’s lectures are in demand from Japan to Italy and coast-to-coast because he provides new insight into Japanese cultures.
Tsubaki has served as head instructor of the Kansas Ki Society, an organization that provides martial arts training, and as the Executive Director of the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival since 1997. Tsubaki coordinates so much of the Japan Festival that he said he himself is the festival. He is also a member of the Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board.
Of 4,028 candidates, the Order of the Sacred Treasure was awarded to only three Japanese natives this year. The other two recipients live in Thailand and Australia. The last time the award was given in the Kansas City area was 30 years ago.
Kansan staff writer Bethany Bunch can be contacted at bbunch@kansan.com.
— Edited by Sharla Shivers
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