MONTEREY — Consul General Hiroshi Inomata honored two local residents, Katsumi Kinoshita and Tsuneo Larry Oda, on Aug. 1 at Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple in Seaside.
The men received the Consul General’s Commendation Award, which goes to members of the community who have distinguished themselves by promoting and fostering an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and improving understanding and long-term relations between the U.S. and Japan.
Kinoshita is a master bonsai artist and has taught the art of creating miniature trees grown in containers throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties for over 60 years.
Oda is a past national president of the Japanese American Citizens League and chairman of the U.S.-Japan Relations Committee. He has been active in promoting closer relations with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and has worked tirelessly to preserve the history and legacy of Japanese Americans in Monterey.