Awardees for Foreign Minister's Commendation Chosen
On Aug. 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the awardees chosen for the FY 2025 Foreign Minister’s Commendation. Within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the following four individuals have been selected for their contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.
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.
Awardees' Achievements
Doris Harumi Asano
Co-Chair, Arizona Matsuri Steering Committee
Doris Asano played a key role in launching the Arizona Matsuri in the State of Arizona, USA in 1984, serving as one of the festival’s founding members. From the following year, she assumed the position of co-chair of the organizing committee and over many years, made significant contributions to promoting friendship and goodwill between the local Japanese American community and the broader regional society.
The festival, held over two days, showcases a wide range of Japanese cultural traditions—including Japanese cuisine, taiko drumming, martial arts, and tea ceremony. It has since grown into a major cultural event that now attracts over 110,000 visitors and involves the Japanese American community, city government, sister city associations, JETRO, and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. The festival continues to play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cultural ties within the local community.
Gary Kawaguchi
Former Vice Chair of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
In 2006, Mr. Kawaguchi was appointed representative of the Kawaguchi-Kihara Memorial Foundation. His primary contributions include dedicated efforts supporting Japanese Americans and their community organizations and elevating the status of the community. Through supporting the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Japanese American National Museum and other organizations, he has helped preserve the culture and history of Japanese Americans. He has also supported Keiro, serving Japanese American seniors, and the cultural activities of Kizuna, dedicated to developing the next generation. Mr. Kawaguchi has also contributed to the promotion of Japanese culture and support of Japanese Americans as Vice Chair of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and Chair of Keiro.
Kazuo George Sugimoto
Former Board Member of Keiro
In 2007, Mr. Sugimoto was appointed Board Member of Keiro, an organization providing support services for Japanese American seniors. He has dedicated many years to supporting Japanese and Japanese Americans seniors residing in the U.S. He has served on numerous committees of the organization, helping to develop future leadership succession, research focused on older adult health and wellness programs, and regulatory compliance, improving the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. He has also contributed to promoting mutual understanding and elevating the status of Japanese Americans through his longtime dedication to charitable activities of Japanese American organizations such as the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Japanese American National Museum, and Nisei Week Foundation.
Kathryn Doi Todd
Former Chair of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
In 1983, Ms. Doi Todd was appointed Member of the Board of Directors of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, and in 2000 became the Chair. She has made extensive contributions to the promotion and preservation of Japanese culture and strengthening the Japan-U.S. friendship. She has facilitated the performances of Japanese traditional arts such as kabuki and bunraku, and realized the invitation of the president of Keidanren and the former ambassador of the United States to Japan to the award ceremony of the “Pacific Pioneer Award,” which recognized contributions to strengthening Japan-U.S. relations. Ms. Doi Todd has also been active in her career as a judge, and in 1977 helped established the Japanese American Bar Association to address issues impacting Japanese Americans, and has also contributed to elevating the status of Japanese Americans.