Conferment Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for Mr. Derek Okubo (November 10, 2025)

On Monday, November 10th, a ceremony for the 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals was held at the official residence of the Consul-General. At the ceremony, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette was presented to Mr. Derek Okubo, former President of Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC) by Consul-General Okajima.

As Executive Director of Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships, Mr. Okubo has worked for many years to protect the rights of minorities and socially disadvantaged people. He has also been actively involved in various activities in the Japanese American community, including historical preservation. As President of JASC, he has made significant contributions to promoting exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and Colorado through the introduction of Japanese culture.

After the presentation of the Decoration, Mr. Okubo gave a speech and Ms. Claudine Locascio, current Executive Director of JASC, led a congratulatory toast. She highlighted Mr. Okubo’s key roles in many organizations and his gentle personality, leadership, and diverse network of contacts contributing greatly to the development of the association, as she expressed their gratitude for his significant achievements. To honor his accomplishments, the ceremony was attended by Mr. Okubo’s family and many of his fellow JASC members.

We express our respect for Mr. Okubo’s many years of achievements and our sincerest congratulations on receiving the Decoration.