Autumn 2017 Decoration Conferred on Ms. Kitty Sankey

On Nov. 3, 2017, the Government of Japan announced the recipients of its Autumn 2017 Decorations and within this Consulate General’s jurisdiction, Ms. Kitty Sankey received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

Ms. Kitty Sankey is a third generation Japanese American, and was born in Tokyo. After graduating from Kubasaki High School, located on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, she attended the University of California in Los Angeles and received her bachelor’s degree. She was a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District until her retirement in 2009. In addition to her career as an educator, she has participated actively in the Japanese American community. As a leader in the community she was a significant contributor to the fight for redress from the U.S. government on behalf of Japanese Americans detained in internment camps during World War II. She has served numerous major organizations of the Japanese American community including positions as President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, Vice President of the Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California, Vice President of the Japanese American Optimist Club, and President of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) - Downtown Los Angeles Chapter.

The Conferment Ceremony for Ms. Sankey was held on November 29, 2017 at 2pm at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan and was attended by approximately 40 guests, including Ms. Sankey’s family and friends. After the ceremony a reception was held, which was enjoyed by all the guests.