Ulaanbaatar
Embassy of Japan honors Soprano Yumi Okuyama for Bridging Japan-Mongolia Relations
Art & Culture
Ulaanbaatar, October 30, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Since 1999, soprano Okuyama Yumi has graced Mongolian stages, serving as a cultural bridge by introducing Japanese music to local audiences and promoting Mongolian music in Japan.
To honor her dedication and craft, the Embassy of Japan in Ulaanbaatar hosted a ceremony to present the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Okuyama Yumi on October 29, 2025.
The award, established by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to fostering friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and other nations.
Okuyama Yumi has been engaged in music education as a singing teacher since 2011, where she teaches a wide repertoire of Japanese songs to Mongolian students and contributes to the spread of Japanese culture.
She continues to foster connections between Japan and Mongolia through her leadership of the Japanese residents’ choir in Ulaanbaatar and her participation in key events—including performances marking the anniversary of diplomatic relations and receptions hosted by the Japanese Embassy, such as the celebration of His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday.
The commendation was presented by Igawahara Masaru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, during a ceremony attended by prominent figures from both Mongolian and Japanese cultural communities.
