Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Mr. Dennis J. Yamashita, Former Chair of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington

     On April 16, 2024, a conferment ceremony and reception were held at the Official Residence to congratulate Mr. Dennis J. Yamashita, former Chair of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington, on his receipt of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. Mr. Yamashita’s family, friends, Japanese American community members, and many others were in attendance. 

     Consul General of Japan in Seattle IYORI Makoto expressed his appreciation for Mr. Yamashita’s many years of continued contributions and formally conferred the Order. Mr. Yamashita spoke about his many years of service to Nikkei organizations motivated by his values of hard work and kindness to others. He thanked his family, friends, colleagues, and Japanese American community members for their support and expressed gratitude for the honor of receiving the Decoration. 

     In addition to serving as Chair of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (2009 - 2010), Mr. Yamashita also served as President of Nikkei Concerns, now Keiro Northwest (1999 - 2001), and as President of Japanese Community Service of Seattle (2013). He was awarded the Decoration for his outstanding contributions to promoting regional exchange between Japan and the United States as well as to improving the welfare of the Japanese and Japanese American communities in the United States.