2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations (Mr. Takeyuki Suetsugu, President of Seattle’s Japanese Restaurant Association)

On April 29, 2023 (JST), the Government of Japan announced that Mr. Takeyuki Suetsugu, President of Seattle’s Japanese Restaurant Association, has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of Japanese food culture and its continuation among the next generation as an educator.

Decoration: Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
Service: Promotion of Japanese food culture and its continuation among the next generation as an educator
Major Titles: President of Seattle’s Japanese Restaurant Association

Summary of Contributions:
As a chef who has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine for more than 50 years, Mr. Suetsugu has been active in the culinary front lines in the United States, and has greatly promoted the understanding of Japanese ingredients and food culture through lectures and performances at various community events. As an educator, he has also made significant contributions to the development of Japanese culinary professionals, including through the establishment of a cooking school to pass on the techniques and culture of Japanese cuisine to the next generation in the United States.