Journalist’s award for Japanese work

ATayside journalist has been recognised for his work in promoting the relationship between Scotland and Japan.

Courier business reporter Jim Millar will be presented with the award of the Taisho Star by Lord Bruce in a ceremony at Broomhall in Fife.

The announcement was made after Fusion Whisky, the drinks firm co-founded by Mr Millar, released its fifth edition of The Glover whisky, a blend of Scottish and Japanese drams aimed at promoting the relationship between the two countries.

Previous recipients of awards from the

Aberdeen-based Order of the Scottish Samurai include the Ja p a n e s e Ambassador to Ethiopia, Daisuke Matsunaga, the Lord Ly o n Dr Jo s e p h Morrow and broadcaster Joanna Lumley.

President of the Order of the Scottish Samurai Ronnie Wa tt said the award, one of the highest presented by the organisation, reflects more than three decades of promoting greater understanding between Scotland and Japan by Jim Millar.

He said: “Much of Mr Millar’s work has been behind the scenes but the fact he has been awarded two official certificates of commendation from the Japanese government and been commissioned an honorary colonel by the governor of Ke n t u c ky speaks for itself.

“Mr Millar was instrumental in founding the first cross party group on Japan in the Scottish Parliament and played a key role in bringing the Japanese national cricket team to Scotland in 2013.

“He also wrote Aberdeen City C o u n c i l ’s Ja p a n engagement s t r a t e g y, covering trade and educational links, which was approved unanimously by elected members.

“The strategy was hailed as a blueprint for local authorities in the UK who sought closer and c ultural Japan.

“From Mr Millar’s initial idea to use whisky in promoting international relations, came a unique blend of Japanese and Scottish whisky which is now exported to around 15 countries.”

Mr Mi l l a r, a former martial arts and edged weapons instructor, will also join the organisation’s wall of fame as a third dan karate black belt.

A graduate of Aberdeen and Stirling universities, Mr Millar is an army veteran and a finalist in the lifetime achievement category of the Veterans in Business awards. economic ties with

RECOGNITION: Jim Millar will receive the Taisho Star.