Skopje, 5 March 2026 (MIA) - The President of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU), Academician Zhivko Popov, presented on Thursday the “Blazhe Koneski” medal to Japanese Slavist and Macedonian studies scholar Prof. Dr. Motoki Nomachi of Hokkaido University, Japan.

MANU said Nomachi received the recognition in 2024 for his significant contribution to the promotion of the Macedonian language and culture, as well as for his long-standing dedication to Slavic studies.

“Nomachi’s collaboration with MANU’s Research Center for Areal Linguistics has lasted for more than a decade, as part of which joint research and projects have been carried out with the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center at Hokkaido University,” the statement said.

The Academy said with this award it is continuing its tradition of recognizing distinguished foreign scholars who contribute to the development and affirmation of the Macedonian language and culture worldwide.

Photo: MANU