Director Ben-Hang Chang of the Carrie Chang Fine Arts Center was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY 2023. He attended the commendation ceremony on January 24, where he received the award from Kazuyuki Katayama, Chief Representative of the Taipei Office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. Also present at the ceremony were Chairperson Flora Chia-I Chang of Tamkang University, Chairman Jia-Chyuan Su of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, Kuo-Shu Huang, current legislator, and others.

During his speech, Kazuyuki Katayama explained that the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals or groups who have significantly contributed to promoting friendly relations with Japan over the long term. Ben-Hang Chang has long been dedicated to the calligraphy exchange between Japan and Taiwan. He has actively promoted calligraphy education through innovative technology such as the "e-Calligraphy System," making many contributions in this field. Chang then recounted the origins of his calligraphy exchanges with Japan, his teaching journey at Tamkang University, supported by Chairperson Chang, and the R&D of the e-Calligraphy System. He emphasized his ongoing efforts in promoting exchanges and cooperation with Japan. He expressed his belief that closer relations can be deepened through the cultural heritage shared by Taiwan and Japan, particularly in calligraphy and other arts. He also expressed willingness to continue contributing and working hard in this endeavor.