Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Mrs. Tsuchino Forrester, President of the Japanese International Marriage Friendship Club

On June 7, 2023, a conferment ceremony and reception were held at the Official Residence to congratulate Mrs. Tsuchino Forrester, President of the Japanese International Marriage Friendship Club, for her receipt of The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. Mrs. Forrester’s friends and relatives, Japanese American community members, and many others were in attendance. 

Consul General of Japan in Seattle INAGAKI Hisao expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Forrester’s many years of continuous contributions and formally conferred the Order. Mrs. Forrester spoke about her endeavors to improve the welfare of the Japanese community, particularly women who immigrated from postwar Japan as “war brides” when international marriages were not widely accepted, and stressed the importance of preserving Japanese culture and language. She also reflected on her life and experiences so far in the U.S. and expressed her gratitude for the honor. 

Mrs. Forrester was awarded the Decoration for her outstanding contributions to enhancing the welfare of the Japanese community in the United States.