Koji Yano Photo: IC

Koji Yano, the 46-year-old Japanese actor who is one of the most popular figures in China, was rewarded Japan's Foreign Minister Commendation for FY 2015 in Beijing Saturday.

Established by the Japanese government, Foreign Minister Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups who have accomplished outstanding achievements in promoting the relationship between Japan and other countries and regions.

Moving to China 15 years ago, Yano became an actor while studying Chinese. His representative works include For the Sake of the Republic of China (2001), The Proof of Memories (2004), and the very recent The Young General.

Having played numerous Japanese soldiers and officers in war dramas, Yano has earned himself the nickname guizi zhuanyehu (the devil specialist) among Chinese audiences. Despite the fact that guizi is a derogatory term in Chinese, Yano has been accepted by audiences and fellow industry professionals alike for his acting skill and easygoing personality. He has also soared in popularity after becoming a temporary host for the Chinese variety show Day Day Up.

According to a survey done by Japanese research agency Video Research, Yano was the most popular Japanese actor in China during 2013 and 2014.

Currently sitting at nearly 1.5 million followers on Sina Weibo, Yano posted pictures of him receiving the award on his Weibo account Saturday, along with a post saying the award has given him great "encouragement."

Global Times - Visual China