Takeshi Kitano, a master of contemporary Japanese cinema, has been appointed a Chamberlain d'Honneur (Honorary Chamberlain) by the Order of Champagne (Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne), under the patronage of the champagne house Laurent-Perrier.

The Order of Champagne celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of Champagne wines and creates an iconic image of "champagne as the drink of celebration, success, and special occasions." Its current membership includes approximately 4,000 celebrities and gourmets with extensive knowledge of gastronomy and wine from around the world.

Kitano Takeshi, who is also well-versed in French food culture and wine, will be the first foreigner to be appointed a Chamberlain d'Honneur. Kitano Takeshi has received international acclaim for his original and bold works at festivals such as the Venice Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival, and in 2012, he held an exhibition of his work at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris as an established painter.

Bernard de Nonancourt, a member of the Laurent-Perrier founding family who patronized Kitano Takeshi, was one of the founding members of the Ode des Champagnes. Last May, upon Laurent-Perrier's recommendation, Kitano Takeshi was appointed an "Officier d'Honneur" at the Ode des Champagnes gala dinner held in Tokyo.

The investiture ceremony will take place on June 12th at the Ode des Champagnes Summer Gathering at the Palais de Tau in Reims, France. Takeshi Kitano will visit the Laurent-Perrier Chateau and taste rare wines stored in the cellars with owner Alexandra Pereire de Nonancourt and her sister Stephanie Menou de Nonancourt before attending the ceremony.