On Sept. 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the awardees chosen for the FY 2026 Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
Within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the following individual and group have been selected for their contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S.
Kazuyuki Kitajima, Sogetsu Ryu Artist
From 1991 to 1995, Kitajima served as president of the Sogetsu Ikebana Los Angeles Branch, and from 1997 to 1999, he served as president of the Southern California Ikebana Teachers Association, making significant contributions to the promotion of ikebana in the U.S.
Even after stepping down from his formal roles, he continues to be actively involved in the community. Furthermore, for more than 45 years, through the care and maintenance of Japanese gardens in the U.S., he has greatly helped to promote understanding and appreciation of the aesthetic beauty of Japanese garden design.
Little Tokyo Historical Society
Since its establishment in 2006, the LTHS has devoted the past 20 years to preserving and passing down the history of the Japanese and Japanese American community centered on Little Tokyo.
Its primary activities have included researching and preserving historic buildings and sites in the area; organizing lectures on Japanese American history; conducting Little Tokyo walking tours in both English and Japanese; and, in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, installing official monuments and signage commemorating Japanese and Japanese American history.
Through these efforts, the LTHS has made significant contributions to promoting understanding of the history and culture of Japanese and Japanese Americans.