In December 2015, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it was awarding special Foreign Minister’s Commendations in Honor of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The award was given to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in the promotion of friendship between Japan and the United States.
Stephen Bloom, Chief Executive Officer of the Portland Japanese Garden was awarded this prestigious recognition along with only 27 other individuals. Mr. Bloom humbly accepted the award. “I accept this on behalf of the many fantastic people with whom I work every day,” he said. “I am just the facilitator for the good work of others.”