2018 Fall Decorations Conferment Ceremony and Reception
2018/12/17
On December 6, a conferment ceremony and reception were held at the Official Residence to congratulate Dr. Tadataka Yamada, former President of the Global Health Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for his receipt of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.
Consul General Yamada expressed his appreciation for Dr. Yamada’s contributions in strengthening Japan’s leadership and public-private partnerships in the field of global health and offered his congratulations for the receipt of the Fall Decoration.
 Prof. Chung Owyang |
 Mr. David Socks |
 Ms. Sanae Yamada |
 Dr. Neil McDonnell |
Dr. Yamada’s family, friends, colleagues and many others from both in and out of state attended. On behalf of the participants, Chung Owyang (University of Michigan Health Center, Division Chief, GI/Internal Medicine), David Socks (Venture Partner, Frazier Healthcare Partners), Sanae Yamada (Dr. Yamada’s daughter), and Neil McDonnell (Chief Executive Officer, Seal Rock Therapeutics) made congratulatory remarks for Dr. Yamada’s achievement.
Dr. Yamada expressed his gratitude for the honor to receive the Fall Decoration from the government of his home country and spoke about his efforts at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, sharing various memories with the participants. At the end of his speech, he said, “I think I could finally fulfill the promise that I made with my father when I left Japan, which is to serve Japan’s need someday,” and received huge applause from the audience.
 （Left）The Certificate of Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star （Right）Congratulatory message from Former President Clinton |
 Video message from Mr. Bill Gates |
There was also a congratulatory message from President William J. Clinton on behalf of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, where Dr. Yamada serves as Chair of the Board, as well as a video message from Mr. Bill Gates that celebrates Dr. Yamada’s receipt of the Fall Decoration.
Dr. Yamada and his family