MINNEAPOLIS (April 29, 2017) — The Government of Japan announced Saturday that Mr. Takuzo Ishida will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
According to the announcement from the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, the award is in recognition of Ishida’s significant contribution to the Japanese community in Minnesota and to the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and the United States through cultural sharing. The prestigious decoration is conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
Ishida has made a remarkable contribution to the Minnesota-Japan relationship, according to the announcement. As President of the Japan-America Society of Minnesota from 2004 to 2005, and a member for 30 years, Ishida transformed the Society into a prominent organization that presents major programs. During his two years at the helm, individual membership jumped by 27 percent and corporate membership increased by 11 percent. Through his leadership of the Harukaze Concert Planning Committee, Ishida continues to bring Japanese arts and music to the local community.
As a founder of the Minneapolis Japanese School in 1993 and its current president, Ishida has strongly supported the study of Japanese language, culture, and traditions for more than two decades. Under his direction, the school has grown substantially and today it has 160 students. He has facilitated training sessions for instructors from across the Midwest.
In 2011, Mr. Ishida received the Mondale Award, which honors individuals for their significant contribution to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the State of Minnesota.
