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NC JAPAN CENTER
ノースカロライナ日本センター

Order of The Dogwood

Background

Stephen Sumner, Director of the NC Japan Center (center) presenting medals to the first inductees to the Order of the Dogwood, witnessed by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida (2nd from right), his wife (3rd from right), and Gov. Cooper (1st from right)

The Order of the Dogwood, or 花水木の勲章, established in 2024 by The North Carolina Japan Center, is an award that recognizes college and university students across North Carolina who formally pursue Japanese language or Japanese studies in addition other academic disciplines. The aim is to promote and elevate the status of students who have prepared themselves to participate in a workforce that supports the robust presence of Japanese-owned firms in our state.

We were honored to present our first cohort of inductees with their medals in the presence of an historic host of dignitaries including Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and his wife, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Murai, Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Yamada, NC Governor Cooper, and NC State University Chancellor Dr. Woodson. It was a tremendously special inaugural presentation of this award and a concrete symbol of the focused and dedicated work of North Carolinians in support of Japanese firms, who are the #1 foreign direct investors in our state’s economy.

Requirements

Order of The Dogwood medals are awarded to students at any higher education institution in North Carolina who meet the following requirements:

  • Are in their final semester of a degree program at any 4-year college or university in North Carolina
  • Have an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher at the beginning of their final semester
  • Plan to complete at least one Japanese language or Japanese studies major or minor IN ADDITION TO at least one other major or minor in any discipline
  • Have completed an approved learning experience in Japan

Award Timing

Order of The Dogwood medals are awarded to students at the end of Fall and Spring semesters prior to graduation.

Application Process

Students who believe they meet the requirements for induction into the Order of The Dogwood may apply at the beginning of their final semesters according to the following timelines:

  • Fall Semesters
    • Application window opens the third (3rd) Monday of August
    • Application window closes the first (1st) Sunday of November
  • Spring Semesters
    • Application window opens the second (2nd) Monday of January
    • Application window closes the first (1st) Sunday of April
  • Summer Semesters
    Awards are not issued during Summer semesters, but students who plan to graduate during a summer semester may apply during the Spring semester prior to their graduating Summer semester
Click Here For Application