Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony for Mr. Ian MacDonald Marquand, Former Honorary Consul of Japan in Helena – 10/8/2025

On October 8, 2025, a ceremony and reception were held at the Montana State Capitol Rotunda to present the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mr. Ian MacDonald Marquand, former Honorary Consul of Japan in Helena. The event was attended by Mr. Marquand’s family members, colleagues, and friends. 

Consul General IYORI Makoto praised Mr. Marquand’s longstanding contributions to relations between Montana and Japan—particularly with Kumamoto Prefecture, Montana’s sister prefecture—and formally conferred the Commendation. Mr. Marquand expressed his sincere gratitude for the honor of receiving the Foreign Minister’s Commendation. He reflected on his involvement with Japan since his first visit in 1988 and conveyed his deep appreciation to the many individuals who have worked alongside him to strengthen Japan–Montana relations. 

In 1994, Mr. Marquand established the Japan Friendship Club in Montana and served as its president for 25 years, dedicating himself to strengthening Japan–Montana relations, especially with Kumamoto Prefecture. As a producer and news anchor at local television station KPAX-TV, he produced numerous programs about Japan, particularly Kumamoto, thereby making a significant contribution to promoting understanding of Japan in Montana. Furthermore, after becoming the Honorary Consul of Japan in Helena in 2018, he actively visited cities throughout the state to deliver lectures on Japan and set up Japan information booths at festivals and other events, further promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Montana.