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Conferment Ceremony of the Commendation of the Consul General of Japan, to Mr. Seiji Tanaka, Mr. Haruhisa Yamamoto, and Ikebana International Chapter 66 (May 11, Friday)
Mr. Seiji Tanaka, a former president of the Japanese American Association of Colorado
Mr. Haruhisa Yamamoto, a former owner of the Denver Tofu company, and Mrs. Yamamoto
Ms. Midori Allmeyer, a president of Ikebana International Chapter 66
Toast from Mr. T.R. Reid, a president of Japan America Society of Colorado
On Friday, May 11, Consul General Ono and Mrs. Ono hosted the Conferment Ceremony of the Commendation of Consul General of Japan at their residence.
Approximately 60 guests attended the ceremony, including recipients of the commendation, Mr. Seiji Tanaka, a former president of the Japanese American Association of Colorado, Mr. Haruhisa Yamamoto, a former owner of the Denver Tofu company, and members of Ikebana International Chapter 66, with chapter president Ms. Midori Allmeyer.
To begin the ceremony, the Consul General introduced the contributions of the recipients, and gave them certificates of the Commendation along with commemorative gifts.
Afterward, Mr. Seiji Tanaka made his remarks stating his appreciation for the support from his friends and family that enabled his achievements, and that he understands he is accepting this award as a representative of these people.
Also, Mr. Haruhisa Yamamoto introduced his journey to make the Denver Tofu company successful. He explained that, at the time he started the Denver Tofu company, there were difficulties because tofu was a food still unknown by many Americans.
However, as soy products became loved by everyone as a healthy food product, he had been able to continue the business almost for 40 years.
Following his remarks, Ms. Midori Allmeyer told that, in order to grow the appeal of ikebana in the Rocky Mountain region, Ikebana International Chapter 66 has been engaged in cultural and social programs for 50 years.
She also expressed her hope that Ikebana International Chapter 66 continues to be a strong supporter to deepen understanding between Japan and the people of Denver by filling peoples’ hearts with their Ikebana.
Following the ceremony, guest speaker, Mr. T.R. Reid, a president of Japan America Society of Colorado, made a toast beginning reception. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and their commemorative pictures taken.