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Japanese Government Bestows High Honor to Sadafumi Uchiyama, Portland Japanese Garden Chief Curator

Posted by Portland Japanese Garden on
Portland Japanese Garden Chief Curator Sadafumi Uchiyama conferred Foreign Minister’s Commendation from the Foreign Ministry of Japan. Photo by Nina Johnson.

On August 4th, 2022, it was announced that Sadafumi (Sada) Uchiyama, Chief Curator of Portland Japanese Garden and Director of the International Japanese Garden Training Center, has been awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation from the Foreign Ministry of Japan. This award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government, is given to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, and acknowledges their contribution of friendship between Japan and other countries.

On August 10th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo will hold a ceremony in recognition of those awarded. Those in attendance will be presented an award certificate and commemorative gift. Uchiyama is the sole resident of Oregon and one of only 23 people based in the United States to be given this award in 2022.

To learn more about Sadafumi Uchiyama, click here.

The Strolling Pond Garden in Summer.

Portland Japanese Garden Community Has Multiple Recipients of High Governmental Awards from Japan

Portland Japanese Garden, considered to be the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and the foremost Japanese cultural organization in North America, is delighted to see Uchiyama join the ranks of its leaders who have been formally honored by Japan. Uchiyama’s company includes:

  • Steve Bloom, CEO of Portland Japanese Garden and the Japan Institute, awarded Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2015
  • R.W. deWeese, former Board President, awarded Fourth Class of the Order of the Rising Sun in 1982
  • John M. Fulton, former Board Member, awarded Third Class of the Order of the Rising Sun in 1972
  • William “Robbie” Robinson, Portland Parks Bureau Gardener who assisted and led in the construction of Portland Japanese Garden, awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Sixth Class in 1985
  • Mildred Schnitzer, former Board Member, awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure with Gold and Silver Rays in 1987
  • Rudie Wilhelm Jr., former Board President, awarded the Fourth Class of the Order of the Rising Sun in 1980