2023 Autumn Conferment of Decorations (Mr. Dennis J. Yamashita, Former Chair of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington)

On November 3, 2023 (JST), the Government of Japan announced that Mr. Dennis J. Yamashita, Former Chair of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington, has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in recognition of his contributions in promoting regional exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.

Decoration: Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Service: Contributed to promoting regional exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States
Major Titles: 
Former Chair of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington
Former President of Nikkei Concerns (Keiro Northwest)
Former President of the Japanese Community Service of Seattle (Nikkeijinkai)

Summary of Contributions:
Mr. Yamashita has been actively engaged in the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW) for more than 30 years. When he became Chair of JASSW in 2009, he contributed greatly to increase and enhance the Society’s cooperation with Japanese corporations in the region in order to further promote economic exchange between Japan and the United States. 

He has also been deeply involved in fulfilling the mission of Nikkei Concerns, which was established in 1976 to improve the welfare, in particular elder care options of the local Japanese and Japanese American community. Over the 40 years, Mr. Yamashita has made significant contributions to the organization's activities, including serving as its President in 1997. 

He also served as President of the Japanese Community Service of Seattle (Nikkeijinkai) in 2013 and implemented policies to streamline and modernize the operations of the organization. Furthermore, he led efforts to strengthen ties with the local Japanese expatriate community to ensure the group’s continuation and legacy.

Through his many contributions in promoting understanding of Japan in the United States between Japan and the United States, Mr. Yamashita has made an invaluable and lasting impact on Japan-U.S. relations.