Prof. Shagdaryn Bira, Fukuoka Prize 2006 Academic Prize laureate, has passed away on 13th February 2022.

Prof. Shagdaryn Bira is a Mongolian historian who has won international acclaim for his multifaceted research that examines the history, culture, religion, and languages of the Mongols. This research covers a wide cultural area, including India and Tibet. He also has made noteworthy contributions to the organization and spread of Mongol research on an international level.
When he received his award in 2006, he talked about the grand story of past, present and future of Mongolia which dashed through the Eurasia Continent, transcending peoples and boundaries, in his speech at the public lecture entitled ‘Beyond Nations and Boundaries’  He also interacted with many Fukuoka citizens through the official events such as school visit where he presented photographs of the traditional Mongolian dwellings and songs, as well as enjoyed the Japanese school meal with the students.

In memory of his many achievements, we would like to send our sincere condolences to his family.

Secretariat of Fukuoka Prize Committee