Professor Timothy Minton of the School of Medicine was recently appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to UK/Japan relations.
Professor Minton has been a professor at Keio University School of Medicine since April 2012, where in addition to teaching medical English, he has been researching English usage in medical writing and research presentation, along with issues specific to the teaching of medical English. Beyond the university, he has been involved in the promotion and exchange of British culture, serving for six years as Executive Director of the Japan-British Society, an organization which aims to promote goodwill between Japan and the UK. He has also been Representative Honorary Secretary of the Cambridge and Oxford Society for many years, in which capacity he has been instrumental in arranging many lectures and social events with visiting heads of colleges and other academics to engage and interact with Japanese universities. Other contributions to the development of Anglo-Japan relations include serving as Chairman of The William Adams Club, a group dedicated to commemorating the life and achievements of William Adams (known in Japan as Miura Anjin), a British navigator and diplomatic advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The Order of the British Empire was established in 1917 by King George V as a decoration for military service in non-combat duties, and was later expanded to include contributions to culture, arts, science, community service, and public service. The Order is conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. Prof. Minton received his medal from HRH Anne, The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle on June 14, 2023.