TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – (July 24, 2024) On behalf of the Government of Japan, the Consul General of Japan in Miami, Kazuhiro Nakai, had the honor of presenting the Emperor’s Decoration of “The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays” to Mrs. Lucy Ho, Member of the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee, as well as the honor of presenting the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation upon Mr. Masatoshi Nagashima, Member of the Japanese Community of Tallahassee.
“The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays”, granted by the Emperor of Japan, is conferred to meritorious Japanese citizens and foreign nationals who have made remarkable contributions in the promotion of friendly bilateral relations between Japan and foreign countries.
Similarly, awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the “Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendations” are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas.
The conferment ceremony was held at Mrs. Ho’s Masa Restaurant in the presence of Mrs. Ho’s and Mr. Nagashima’s families and close friends as well as officials of their communities such as Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami’s Director General Chou, the Mayor of Tallahassee John Dailey, and members from Florida State University.
Mrs. Lucy Ho, originally from Taiwan during Japanese administration and a resident of the US since 1963, is fluent in Japanese and is deeply immersed in its culture. Founder of Tallahassee’s “Azu Lucy Ho” restaurant, she supports Japanese culture activities in the community such as providing guidance to Japanese students from Florida State University and, following the Great East Japan Earthquake, organized fundraisers, and a memorial service, further strengthening ties between Tallahassee and Japan.
Mr. Masatoshi Nagashima, a resident of Tallahassee since 1978, serves as a liaison between the Japanese community and our Consulate for consular services. Recognizing limited local interest in Japanese culture, he has partnered with Florida State University and local Japanese groups to foster cultural understanding, including establishing a partnership with Waseda University. His efforts have significantly enhanced Japan’s relations with Tallahassee.
Promoting Japanese culture across the vast expanse of Florida presents unique challenges for the Consulate, given the state’s size and the Consulate’s location in Miami. However, dedicated individuals like Mrs. Ho and Mr. Nagashima have played pivotal roles in cultivating a strong interest in Japanese culture within the Tallahassee
community. Their efforts have tremendously enriched cultural exchanges and understanding in the region.
