The Order of the Rising Sun: Gold and Silver Rays
On Sunday November 28th, 2021, the Consul General of Japan in Calgary (Mr. Tatsukuni Uchida) and President of JCAM (Dr. Kelly Kaita) co-hosted the “Conferment Ceremony: The Order of the Rising Sun: Gold and Silver Rays” presented to Ms. Kumiko Lucy Yamashita.
The Order of the Rising Sun (旭日章, Kyokujitsu-shō) is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun. The design of the Rising Sun symbolizes energy as powerful as the rising sun in parallel with the “rising sun” concept of Japan (“Land of the Rising Sun”).
The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.
During the event we heard Consul General of Japan in Calgary, Mr. Uchida who then presented the prestigious award to Ms. Kumiko Lucy Yamashita. This was followed by speeches from brother, Mr. Thomas Yamashita and close friend, Ms. Theresa Oye. This was followed by a speech by Ms. Yamashita and finally a toast (Kampai) to “Lucy”. This was followed by a reception catered by Chef Sadao Ono.
CTV was there to interview Lucy and the Consul General – Click HERE to view the interview
The whole ceremony can be viewed on our YouTube channel HERE.
The hosts wish to thank the following
Mr. Yuhito Adachi (Secretary, Board of Directors) – Primary Organizer
Mrs. Debbie Tsuyuki – Ikebana arrangement
Mr. Ron and Lily Kaita – Table Centres
Chef Sadao Ono – Caterer
All our volunteer Kimono (Kitsuke) dressers
All the volunteers who helped complete the celebration.
SEVA International Charitable Foundation (for their generous support)