The Japanese American Citizens League was honored with a Commendation from the Embassy of Japan for its work in advocating for the Japanese American community and for strengthening relations between Japan and the United States. Photos: Bruce Hollywood
By JACL National Staff
JACL received a commendation award from the Japanese Embassy on Dec. 16 in Washington, D.C. The organization was recognized for all its hard work in advocating for the Japanese American community and for strengthening relations between Japan and the U.S., especially in response to the Tohoku Earthquake, where JACL raised money and established the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund.
JACL National President David Lin (left), accepts the Commendation from Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae.
An intimate awards ceremony and reception was held in the Japan Information & Cultural Center. National JACL President David Lin received the award from Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae on behalf of the organization.
“JACL is proud and humbled for receiving this prestigious award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,” said Lin. “We thank Ambassador Sasae and Minister Tsukada for their collaboration with the JACL, and we are grateful for their friendship. JACL will continue to do its utmost to enhance the relationships between the United States and Japan.”
This is the first year the Japanese Embassy has given out this commendation in an effort to recognize the accomplishments of Japanese Americans. Other organizations that were recognized were the Japanese American Veterans Assn., U.S.-Japan Council and the National Japanese American Memorial Fund.
Past JACL National President Larry Oda also attended the ceremony
“On Dec. 16, 2015, I had the honor and pleasure of witnessing the conferment of the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affair’s Commendation Award to the Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese American Veteran’s Assn., National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, and the U.S.-Japan Council,” said Oda. “The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups of outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contribution to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. The Commendation also aims to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for their activities.
“It was an impressive ceremony that highlighted the contributions that each of the organizations have made to perhaps the most important bilateral relationship in the world,” Oda continued. “The award was an acknowledgement of the effort and success of what we have achieved to build this relationship at a person-to-person level. I am profoundly grateful to Ambassador Sasae for orchestrating this auspicious recognition.”
