Former President of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Presented with Order of the Rising Sun
Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama (left) presented
former Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) President Martin Blake Kobayashi with
the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays .
A special ceremony was held on Jan. 27 at the official residence of Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama to bestow Mr. Martin Blake Kobayashi, former President of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC), with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. Mr. Kobayashi has taken an active role in operating the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) as a member of the board of directors for 32 years. He also served 12 terms as JCCC President, demonstrating his strong leadership by successfully organizing a large number of events to promote Japanese culture, thereby strengthening the unity of the Japanese Canadian community. Even after completing his role as President in 2009, he has continued until today to passionately get involved in various activities for the Japanese Canadian community.
From left: Mr. Kobayashi's children, Mr. Kevin Kobayashi and Ms. Krisitn Kobayashi;
Mr. Kobayashi; The Hon. David Zimmer, Ontario Minister for Aboriginal Affairs;
current JCCC President Gary Kawaguchi; Consul-General Nakayama;
Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson .
Mr. Kawaguchi leads the guests in a toast.
Mrs. Chizuko Nakayama (right) joins her husband, the Consul-General,
and the Kobayashi family for a photo.
