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ANCEA (SakuraCon) receives the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation


The Japanese Foreign Minister recently awarded a special commendation to the Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association (ANCEA), which organizes the anime convention known as “Sakura-Con” every year in spring to coincide with cherry or sakura blossom season in Seattle. The commendation was awarded to ANCEA for their distinguished service in helping to deepen relations between the United States and Japan, as well as to recognize their contributions to furthering mutual understanding between these countries for over a decade.

On May 30th, the award conferment ceremony and reception for ANCEA took place at the Official Residence of Consul General Kiyokazu Ota, who presented the Japanese Minister’s Award to Mr. Christopher M. B. Louck, Chairman of ANCEA.

Sakura-Con celebrated its 15th anniversary this year and is currently one of the largest Japan-related cultural events of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, drawing a crowd of over 20,000 attendees this year. In 2009, the Mayor of Seattle acknowledged the positive impact of ANCEA has in promoting education and culture through its programming, by officially proclaiming April 9th “Sakura-Con Day.”

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the “Gift of Cherry Blossom Trees” from Japan to the United States. In Japan, the cherry blossom or sakura has always been a cherished icon of hope and reflection. Because of the gift of trees a century ago, sakura blossoms have now become the symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States. Although the greatest immediate benefactor is the Pacific Northwest, Sakura-Con garners international guests and attendees each year and continues to grow. This convention has greatly contributed to creating programing and activities in the spirit of the sakura to further strengthen the bonds of friendship shared between Japan and the United States, by introducing and increasing enthusiasm for Japanese pop culture among American youth.

We congratulate ANCEA on receiving the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation, and look forward to their further contributions in promoting Japanese culture.