Dr. Yoshikazu Sasaki, former Honorary Consul General of Japan in Norman and Professor at the University of Oklahoma (OU), passed away on March 12, 2015. His memorial service was held at OU on May 9th and condolence speeches by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and Consul General Nozomu Takaoka were announced (link). Dr. Sasaki’s data analysis method of meteorological phenomenon has become the mainstream for weather forecast and contributed to the development of meteorology worldwide.
As the Honorary Consul General in Norman (2000-2005), Dr. Sasaki supported Japanese residents and engaged in publicity activities and energetically worked as a bridge between Japan and Oklahoma. Furthermore, he also made achievements in promoting the US-Japan relationship. As an advisor to the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor, he organized exchange projects in the field of sister-city/state relations, economy and academia. He also established the Japan Oklahoma Society and served as a president. As an advisor to the Japanese Student Association at the University of Oklahoma, he also supported Japanese students.
To recognize Dr. Sasaki’s dedicated contribution, the Japanese Government granted him the "Order of the Sacred Treasure Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" in 2004. We deeply appreciate his outstanding contributions to the Japan-Oklahoma relations over many years and express our sincere condolences. |
