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On July 12th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister's Commendation for fiscal year 2012. In the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver, Mr. Richard Clark, Senior Partner of Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLC and Mr. Kerry Hada, Denver County Court Judge, both from the state of Colorado, and Mr. Raymond Uno, president of Japanese Community Preservation Committee of Salt Lake City, from the state of Utah were named as recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for their outstanding contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.

The Foreign Minister's Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups of outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contribution to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. The Commendation also aims to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for their activities.

Mr. Richard Clark played a primary role in the establishment of the Japan America Society of Colorado in 1989, and through its activities has made great contributions to the promotion of U.S.-Japan exchanges since then. In particular, when their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Colorado in 1994, Mr. Clark has made significant contribution to the success of the visit as president of the JASC at that time. Further, Mr. Clark has served diligently toward the development of expanded economic relations between Japan and Colorado, by assisting activities of more than 50 Japanese firms moved into Colorado as a legal adviser.

Mr. Kerry Hada, engaging himself in community-based activities as an attorney and judge, is actively taking part in the Japanese American Citizens League, Japan America Society of Colorado and Japanese American Association of Colorado and has long contributed greatly to the development of the Japanese American Community, as well as to the conservation of its legacy, using a broad human network. He also works on enhancing Japan-U.S. relations with great interest and has an active role in various Japan related events and activities. He also participated in 2006 Japanese American Leadership Delegation Program. Furthermore, he has contributed to advance Japan-U.S. relations through expanding his activity beyond the state of Colorado with his service as a board member of Japanese American National Museum and as a member of the membership committee of the U.S.-Japan Council.

Mr. Raymond Uno, a prestigious leader of Japanese American Community in the U.S., has served the president of Japanese American Citizens League-Salt Lake Chapter, and of the National Japanese American Citizens League. His long standing contributions toward promoting the status of the Japanese American Community, as well toward conservation of the history of Japanese immigrants in Utah, have left a lasting impact. Mr. Uno also played a pivotal role in promoting Japanese culture and enhancing Japan-U.S. exchanges in Utah, like contributing greatly to conservation of　"Japan Town Street" in downtown Salt Lake City, where an annual Nihon Matsuri is now held every spring.

We sincerely congratulate each of these deserving recipients upon receiving the Foreign Minister's Commendation, and express our deep respect for their outstanding achievements.