Conferment Ceremony of the Japanese Imperial Decoration for John P. Cogan, Jr., former Legal Counsel of the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
2023/6/2



John P. Cogan, Jr., former Legal Counsel of the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in November 2022, in recognition of his valuable contributions to the activities of the Japanese overseas establishment.
On May 26, 2023, Consul General Murabayashi hosted the conferment ceremony and celebratory reception at his official residence in Houston with about 50 guests in attendance.
Consul General Murabayashi expressed his appreciation for Mr. Cogan’s 38 years of dedicated service as the legal counsel, including provision of legal advice regarding the Consulate’s operation and defending the interest of the Consulate in legal proceedings. He also praised Mr. Cogan’s contribution to the promotion of Japan-Texas relations.
Consul General Murabayashi then presented Mr. Cogan with the Patent of Decoration, and the medal of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Mr. Cogan reflected on memories of his personal and professional ties with Japan, remarking that a true highlight of his career has been serving as legal counsel to the Japanese Consulate. Mr. Cogan said that he has served Japan in various ways, including his legal work for Japanese companies, his work for the Japan-America Society, as well as his time serving as director for the Asia Society. He also highlighted his personal involvements and familial connections to Japan, expressing how honored he was that the mother and brother of one of the Japanese students his family hosted flew from Japan to attend the ceremony. He remarked that this medal is a perfect symbol of all the wonderful gifts from the Japanese people and culture, and is truly a sacred treasure.
Ms. Bonna Kol, President of the Asia Society Texas Center, thanked Mr. Cogan for his 40 years of dedicated work that has made the Asia Society the amazing organization that it is today, calling him the sacred treasure of the organization.
Finally, Mr. Brad Richards, Mr. Cogan’s successor as the legal counsel of the Japanese Consulate, described Mr. Cogan by using the Japanese word “Giri.” He chose this word as it reflects Mr. Cogan’s self-sacrificing devotion.
The guests then enjoyed various Japanese food at the reception, prepared by the Consul General’s chef.
For more information about Mr. Cogan’s achievements, please refer to the following:
https://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_00411.html
On May 26, 2023, Consul General Murabayashi hosted the conferment ceremony and celebratory reception at his official residence in Houston with about 50 guests in attendance.
Consul General Murabayashi expressed his appreciation for Mr. Cogan’s 38 years of dedicated service as the legal counsel, including provision of legal advice regarding the Consulate’s operation and defending the interest of the Consulate in legal proceedings. He also praised Mr. Cogan’s contribution to the promotion of Japan-Texas relations.
Consul General Murabayashi then presented Mr. Cogan with the Patent of Decoration, and the medal of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Mr. Cogan reflected on memories of his personal and professional ties with Japan, remarking that a true highlight of his career has been serving as legal counsel to the Japanese Consulate. Mr. Cogan said that he has served Japan in various ways, including his legal work for Japanese companies, his work for the Japan-America Society, as well as his time serving as director for the Asia Society. He also highlighted his personal involvements and familial connections to Japan, expressing how honored he was that the mother and brother of one of the Japanese students his family hosted flew from Japan to attend the ceremony. He remarked that this medal is a perfect symbol of all the wonderful gifts from the Japanese people and culture, and is truly a sacred treasure.
Ms. Bonna Kol, President of the Asia Society Texas Center, thanked Mr. Cogan for his 40 years of dedicated work that has made the Asia Society the amazing organization that it is today, calling him the sacred treasure of the organization.
Finally, Mr. Brad Richards, Mr. Cogan’s successor as the legal counsel of the Japanese Consulate, described Mr. Cogan by using the Japanese word “Giri.” He chose this word as it reflects Mr. Cogan’s self-sacrificing devotion.
The guests then enjoyed various Japanese food at the reception, prepared by the Consul General’s chef.
For more information about Mr. Cogan’s achievements, please refer to the following:
https://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_00411.html