Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony for Ms. Akiko Sogabe, Kirie Artist - 9/30/2025

     On September 30, 2025, a conferment ceremony and reception were held at the Official Residence to congratulate Ms. Akiko “Aki” Sogabe on her receipt of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation. Ms. Sogabe’s family, friends, and many others were in attendance.  

     Consul General of Japan in Seattle IYORI Makoto expressed his appreciation for Ms. Sogabe’s many years of continued contributions and formally conferred the Commendation. Ms. Sogabe spoke about her career as a kirie (Japanese papercutting) artist, mentioning her first sold artwork and her panel installations at Pike Place Market depicting the history of Japanese Americans. She thanked attendees for their support and expressed gratitude for the honor of receiving the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.  

     Ms. Sogabe became an active kirie artist in the United States in 1983. She has created over 3,000 works depicting Japanese customs, traditions, and the changing seasons. Through her art, she has introduced Japanese culture and devoted herself to promoting kirie by conducting free workshops at various cultural events, schools, and libraries. Moreover, her numerous public art projects about Japanese immigrants during Seattle’s pioneering era have contributed to raising public awareness of the role of Japanese Americans. Through these efforts, she has promoted the spread of kirie and fostered cultural exchange and friendship between Japan and the United States.