Hosting the Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony for Mrs. Akemi Saitoh
2025/12/12
Consul General Naganuma and award recipient, Mrs. Saitoh
Video message from Chiba Mayor Kamiya
Congratulatory speech from Mr. Ishikawa
Presentation of a proclamation from City of Houston (Left: Ms. Lee, Right: Mrs. Saitoh)
On December 8, 2025, the Consulate-General held a ceremony in Houston to present the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mrs. Akemi Saitoh.
At the award ceremony, Consul General Naganuma stated that Mrs. Saitoh has made significant contributions to Japan-U.S. exchange projects, including advancing sister city relations between Chiba City and Houston and maintaining the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. He also noted her efforts during this year in cultural and economic exchange, such as organizing the Ise Katagami exhibition and workshops, facilitating the Houston Ballet’s Japan tour, and contributing to the success of trade and investment missions to Japan. In addition, he expressed his appreciation to the Japanese companies and organizations involved in these initiatives. Chiba Mayor Kamiya sent a congratulatory video message and Mr. Ishikawa, Chairman of Japan America Society of Houston, also delivered his congratulatory remarks.
Houston Mayor Whitmire and Harris County Judge Hidalgo issued proclamations declaring December 8 as “Akemi Saito Day.” At the award ceremony, Ms. Lee, Chief of International Relations from the City of Houston, and Ms. Dunnom, Chief of Operations and Emergency Management from Harris County, attended as representatives and presented the respective proclamations to Mrs. Saitoh.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to provide cooperation and support for exchange programs between Japan and United States including sister city exchange programs as well as economic initiatives.
At the award ceremony, Consul General Naganuma stated that Mrs. Saitoh has made significant contributions to Japan-U.S. exchange projects, including advancing sister city relations between Chiba City and Houston and maintaining the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. He also noted her efforts during this year in cultural and economic exchange, such as organizing the Ise Katagami exhibition and workshops, facilitating the Houston Ballet’s Japan tour, and contributing to the success of trade and investment missions to Japan. In addition, he expressed his appreciation to the Japanese companies and organizations involved in these initiatives. Chiba Mayor Kamiya sent a congratulatory video message and Mr. Ishikawa, Chairman of Japan America Society of Houston, also delivered his congratulatory remarks.
Houston Mayor Whitmire and Harris County Judge Hidalgo issued proclamations declaring December 8 as “Akemi Saito Day.” At the award ceremony, Ms. Lee, Chief of International Relations from the City of Houston, and Ms. Dunnom, Chief of Operations and Emergency Management from Harris County, attended as representatives and presented the respective proclamations to Mrs. Saitoh.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to provide cooperation and support for exchange programs between Japan and United States including sister city exchange programs as well as economic initiatives.
Presentation of a proclamation from Harris County (Left: Ms. Dunnom, Right: Mrs. Saitoh)