Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2013

1      On July 25th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2013. In British Columbia, Mr. Roberto T. Banno, President of Nikkei Place Foundation has been awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his contribution to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Canada.

2      The Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded annually to those persons or organizations having rendered exceptional and distinguished services to the promotion of mutual understanding, friendship and goodwill between their countries and Japan through economic and technical cooperation, information and cultural activities, as well as other activities to enhance international relations.  A number of people, working in various international fields, have been contributing to promoting friendly relations between Japan and other countries, and the commendation aims to recognize the outstanding achievements of those individuals and groups.

3  This year, the Commendation was awarded to 98 individuals and 31 groups. A ceremony for commendation in Vancouver will be held at the beginning of September.