Ceremony to Confer Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, to Woodcut Artist Ms. Naoko Matsubara

On July 15, a ceremony to confer the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, to Ms. Naoko Matsubara, a woodcut print artist who received the Spring 2026 Imperial Decoration, was held at the residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Toronto. Originally from Japan and based in Oakville, Ontario, Ms. Matsubara continues to create prolifically, elevating woodblock printing as a medium of unique personal expression. Her works are held in the permanent collections of renowned institutions including the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and major museums worldwide. She has also recently exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and held exhibitions and lectures across the globe, sharing the appeal of woodblock printing with wider audiences. The Honourable Stephen Crawford, Member of Provincial Parliament and Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, and His Worship Rob Burton, Mayor of Oakville, were also in attendance and delivered congratulatory remarks. Consul-General Matsunaga Takeshi's congratulatory speech is here.