Macedonian historian Dr. Kosta Balabanov has expressed his delight at receiving this year's Japan Foundation special prize for his contribution to introducing Japanese culture to the Balkan country.
For the last 30 years, Balabanov, an expert on Macedonian icons, has dedicated himself to showcasing Japanese culture in his homeland, both as an individual and also as president of the Society for Macedonian-Japanese Friendship and Cooperation and Honorary Consul General of Japan in Skopje.
"I am very happy to receive this valuable award. I am the first person from Macedonia to receive the award," said Balabanov in an interview with The Japan Times after the presentation ceremony in Tokyo on Thursday.