Recipient of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY 2026
2026/9/24
On September 24, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2026. Within the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto, the following individuals were awarded the Commendations in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments.
Individuals:
Mark Sakamoto
(Writer)
Reason for Commendation: Promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Canada
Akiko Maruoka
(Japanese Language Instructor)
Reason for Commendation: Promotion of Japanese language education in Canada
The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to foster understanding and support among the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.
Further information on the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2026 is available here:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_02678.html
Individuals:
Mark Sakamoto
(Writer)
Reason for Commendation: Promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Canada
Akiko Maruoka
(Japanese Language Instructor)
Reason for Commendation: Promotion of Japanese language education in Canada
The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to foster understanding and support among the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.
Further information on the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2026 is available here:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_02678.html