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The Government of Japan has awarded Prof. Dr. Oguz Baykara, a faculty member at Yeditepe University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies, the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette” in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the promotion of Japanese language, literature, and cultural exchange in Türkiye.
The decoration was presented during a formal ceremony held at the Consulate General of Japan in Istanbul. Speaking at the event, Consul General Ryoji Iwama underscored the importance of fostering mutual understanding through cultural and human exchange, particularly in a period marked by increasing global uncertainty.
He stated that Prof. Baykara’s academic and translation work has significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cultural understanding between Japan and Türkiye.
Accepting the award, Prof. Dr. Baykara expressed his gratitude, noting that his nearly four decades of scholarly engagement with Japan had been recognized with one of Japan’s most distinguished honors.
Describing Japan as his “second home,” he emphasized that his translations and academic work have aimed to bridge cultural distance and enhance appreciation of Japanese literature among Turkish readers.
Prof. Baykara highlighted the role of language as more than a means of communication, describing it as a medium for sharing emotions and cultural values. Quoting Japanese poet Kenji Miyazawa, he remarked, “Words are windows opening into the heart,” and called for continued efforts to promote cultural dialogue, mutual respect, and shared human values in an increasingly interconnected world.
A prominent scholar in Japanese studies, Prof. Baykara is known for translating major works of Japanese literature into Turkish, including The Tale of Genji, Rashomon and Other Stories, and A History of Japanese Literature. He has also authored studies on Japanese culture and contributed to Japanese–Turkish lexicography, including a comprehensive Japanese–Turkish dictionary.
He completed his doctoral studies at Kyorin University in Japan and has published academic works in both Turkish and Japanese. His 2020 Japanese-language publication, Portraits of Two Japanese Writers: Jun’ichiro Tanizaki and Ryunosuke Akutagawa, was released in Tokyo.
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