Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony for Dr. Kiichiro Matsushima, Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University (October 28, 2026)

On October 28, Consul-General Hiroyuki Okajima hosted the Foreign Minister's Commendation Ceremony for Dr. John Kiichiro Matsushima, Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University, at the Consul-General's Official Residence. (Please click here to learn more about Dr. Matsushima's outstanding achievements.)

During the ceremony, Consul-General Okajima delivered his remarks and presented the certificate of commendation and a commemorative gift to Dr. Matsushima. In his speech, the Consul-General stated:

"When I met Dr. Matsushima last year, I was privileged to hear about his family's history and the immense hardships they overcame with resilience and dignity, which deeply moved and inspired me. Today, it is an even greater honor to welcome him back to my official residence to present this award to a man whose journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit."

The ceremony and subsequent luncheon were held in a warm and amicable atmosphere, attended by Dr. Matsushima's family, relatives, and friends. As Dr. Matsushima approaches his 106th birthday this December, we would like to express our deepest respect for his lifelong contributions, and wish him continued health, happiness, and peace in the days ahead.