Consulate-General of Japan in Miami
在マイアミ日本国総領事館

Remarks by Eiichi Kawahara, Consul General of Japan, to present commendation from Foreign Minister Gemba to UWF

UWF Japan House, Pensacola

June 14, 2012

Dr. Bense, President, University of West Florida,

Dr. Marx, President Emeritus UWF,

Distinguished guests,

UWF has long been promoting Japan-U.S. or Japan-Florida relations in many ways. Today, it is indeed my great honor to convey to you that UWF has received the Certificate of Commendation from Japanese Foreign Minister for its long standing contributions to enhancing Japan/US bilateral relations.

UWF has been actively contributing towards the advancement of Japan-U.S. relations through its excellent education programs on Japanese language and culture, as well as through the exchange of students under the partnerships with Japanese academic institutions.

The promotion of Japanese language and culture at UWF started in 1987, and the “Japan Center” was established at the UWF campus in 2004. As some of you may acknowledge, the “Japan House,” with its very authentic tea house, built with beautiful Japanese Hida-Sugi (cedar) woods, is a symbol of Japanese culture in Pensacola. It is still a small wonder for me to find such authentic Japanese architecture here at UWF.

UWF has also long been the center for Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida.

On March 30 this year, one centenary anniversary of the gift by Japan to the citizens of the United States of 3,000 Japanese cherry trees was celebrated at this University campus under the strong initiative of the President of UWF, Dr. Bense. A Congressman, Florida State Secretary, City Mayor of Pensacola, President of Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and other distinguished guests attended this centenary ceremony at “Concert Hall” on campus. Visiting junior high school students from Gero City, Japan performed a chorus of Japanese songs in beautiful harmony.

With the support of Japan Foundation and the donation of Gero citizens and local companies here, we planted 100 new cherry trees as part of the celebrations. Half of one hundred trees were donated by the citizens of Gero, in the Gifu prefecture in Japan.

While appreciating UWF’s excellent contributions to the promotion of Japan/US, Japan/Florida relations for the last 25 years, I am extremely happy to convey to you this timely commendation from Japanese Foreign Minister.

On behalf of Foreign Minister Gemba, it is my honor to present to you, Dr. Bense, the Certificate of Commendation to the University of West Florida for its excellent contributions to Japan/US relation.

Thank you.