The Japan Business Society in Detroit Foundation has been awarded a Foreign Minister’s Commendation by Fumio Kishida, the minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
The commendation was presented to Eiji Kato, president of the foundation, by Mitsuhiro Wada, who recently was appointed consul general of Japan in Detroit, with jurisdiction of Michigan and Ohio, at a reception commemorating the 82nd birthday of Emperor Akihito of Japan.
This specific Foreign Minister’s Commendation was presented, on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary after World War II, to recognize individuals and organizations which have increasingly contributed to the promotion of goodwill and friendship between Japan and other countries. The foundation’s commendation is in recognition of its activities for promoting U.S.-Japan bilateral relations and mutual understanding. The Japan Business Society of Detroit, the lead organization of the foundation, received the foreign minister’s commendation in 2004.
The foundation has been providing many grants to Michigan nonprofit organizations and academic institutions for community activities, education and research programs and projects promoting Japan-U.S. bilateral relations. In total they have given $1.8 million in nearly 25 years. The Foundation also provides scholarships to American high school and university students to study in Japan. Through the foundation scholarship initiative, over nearly 20 years, some 160 students have participated in the program and traveled to Japan to study.
