On June 28, 2019, the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle recognized two highly qualified individuals for their many years of contributions to Japan-US relations. In a ceremony held during the Summer Reception at the Official Residence, they were both awarded the Consul General’s Commendation. The recipients are as follows (in alphabetical order):
- Dr. Michele Aoki
As the International Education Administrator for Seattle Public Schools, Dr. Michele Anciaux Aoki has dedicated her time, resources, and passion towards promoting world language education, including the Japanese language, in Seattle Public Schools and across the state. Dr. Aoki has tirelessly worked to launch Dual Language Immersion programs in Japanese, starting with John Stanford International School in 2001. Growing in popularity, these programs are now taught at all K-12 levels here in Seattle. From 2008 to 2014, Dr. Aoki served as World Languages and International Education Program Supervisor at the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). She has received two leadership awards from the Washington Association for Language Teaching (WAFLT) and continues to volunteer as an advocate for language education.
- Mr. Takumi Yoshinaga
Over the course of his career in the US branch of the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) Mr. Takumi Yoshinaga oversaw the training of over 2,600 Japanese farmers though the Overseas Young Japanese Farmers Training Program. During this time he forged great partnerships with over 85 host farms across the US, as well as with Big Bend Community College and its Foundation, the US Visa sponsor for the Training Program. Mr. Yoshinaga’s 25 years of service has been the longest in the JAEC’s history. His many years of devotion to the cultivation of young Japanese farmers in the US have reaped outstanding contributions both to the development of Japan’s agricultural sector and to furthering mutual understanding between Japan and the US.
