Commendation Ceremony of 2025 Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards
2025/12/15
On December 11, Consul General Kosei Murota hosted a Commendation Ceremony of the Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards (California Chapter) for Mr. Brian Yamasaki. Details below:
Commendation Ceremony of the Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards
1. Biography and Reasons for Commendation
Mr. Yamasaki began working in the gardening and landscaping industry in the region in 1985. In 2001, he joined the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Recognized for his expertise and skills, in 2014 he was appointed Park Maintenance Supervisor for 40 parks, and became Senior Park Maintenance Supervisor in 2022. Currently, as Senior Park Maintenance Supervisor overseeing 125 parks within Los Angeles, he works with approximately 120 gardeners, 24 trucks, 4 tractors, and various other equipment and materials to maintain the parks' beauty.
Mr. Yamasaki served as President of the Hollywood Japanese Cultural Institute for nearly 25 years, from 1992 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2017. From 1993 to 1994, he collaborated with local residents to construct a two-story multipurpose facility, contributing significantly to the promotion of Japanese culture, the development of the Japanese American community, and the well-being of Japanese residents in the area.
Additionally, he served as President of the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation from 2009 to 2010 and again from 2024 to the present. In this role, he actively organizes lectures by agricultural experts from Japan and training sessions for members' professional development, contributing to the beautification of Southern California. He also worked to improve the group health insurance for association members and continues to dedicate himself to the Japanese American community.
2. The Agricultural Society of Japan’s Commendation Ceremony
The commendation ceremony for Mr. Yamasaki's commendation was held at the Consul General's residence on December 11, starting at 2:00 PM, attended by his family, friends, and related parties. Consul General Kosei Murota expressed his congratulations and presented the commendation certificate and the ribbon of the Green-White Achievement Award.
In response, Mr. Yamasaki expressed his gratitude to his family and supporters, reflecting on his experience working in the landscaping industry locally with the support of many people. He also stated that through his activities with the Hollywood Japanese Cultural Institute and the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation, he was able to contribute to the local community while deepening his connection to Japanese culture. He further expressed his commitment to continue working through the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation to preserve the history of Japanese American gardeners and horticulturists, ensuring their contributions to the community are honored and never forgotten.
Following a video presentation highlighting Mr. Yamasaki's work, Mr. Shinkichi Koyama, President of the Agricultural Society of Japan, California Chapter, and writer Ms. Naomi Hirahara, Edger Award-winning author and friend of Mr. Yamasaki, each offered congratulatory remarks, praising his achievements. After a toast by Mr. Bill Watanabe of the Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund, a reception was held.
Commendation Ceremony of the Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards
1. Biography and Reasons for Commendation
Mr. Yamasaki began working in the gardening and landscaping industry in the region in 1985. In 2001, he joined the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Recognized for his expertise and skills, in 2014 he was appointed Park Maintenance Supervisor for 40 parks, and became Senior Park Maintenance Supervisor in 2022. Currently, as Senior Park Maintenance Supervisor overseeing 125 parks within Los Angeles, he works with approximately 120 gardeners, 24 trucks, 4 tractors, and various other equipment and materials to maintain the parks' beauty.
Mr. Yamasaki served as President of the Hollywood Japanese Cultural Institute for nearly 25 years, from 1992 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2017. From 1993 to 1994, he collaborated with local residents to construct a two-story multipurpose facility, contributing significantly to the promotion of Japanese culture, the development of the Japanese American community, and the well-being of Japanese residents in the area.
Additionally, he served as President of the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation from 2009 to 2010 and again from 2024 to the present. In this role, he actively organizes lectures by agricultural experts from Japan and training sessions for members' professional development, contributing to the beautification of Southern California. He also worked to improve the group health insurance for association members and continues to dedicate himself to the Japanese American community.
2. The Agricultural Society of Japan’s Commendation Ceremony
The commendation ceremony for Mr. Yamasaki's commendation was held at the Consul General's residence on December 11, starting at 2:00 PM, attended by his family, friends, and related parties. Consul General Kosei Murota expressed his congratulations and presented the commendation certificate and the ribbon of the Green-White Achievement Award.
In response, Mr. Yamasaki expressed his gratitude to his family and supporters, reflecting on his experience working in the landscaping industry locally with the support of many people. He also stated that through his activities with the Hollywood Japanese Cultural Institute and the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation, he was able to contribute to the local community while deepening his connection to Japanese culture. He further expressed his commitment to continue working through the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation to preserve the history of Japanese American gardeners and horticulturists, ensuring their contributions to the community are honored and never forgotten.
Following a video presentation highlighting Mr. Yamasaki's work, Mr. Shinkichi Koyama, President of the Agricultural Society of Japan, California Chapter, and writer Ms. Naomi Hirahara, Edger Award-winning author and friend of Mr. Yamasaki, each offered congratulatory remarks, praising his achievements. After a toast by Mr. Bill Watanabe of the Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund, a reception was held.