Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation 2020
2020/12/1
On December 1st, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced that the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation was awarded to the following organizations and individual for their contributions as described below.
The Foreign Minister's Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in the international community to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and other countries.
Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, Inc.
<Summary of Contributions>
The Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida was established 30 years ago, mainly by Japanese nationals residing in Pensacola, Japanese-Americans, and Americans who previously resided in Japan. They work on a voluntary basis and contribute to mutual understanding and fostering friendship between Japan and the United States. Their “Annual Japanese New Year Celebration: The New Year” event has garnered particularly high levels of local participation. Since 2015, the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida has hosted Japan US Military Program (JUMP) event, which connects the large numbers of U.S. military personnel who previously lived in or retired from Japan and are currently living in the military base town of Pensacola. In addition, they are involved in the sister city exchange program between Pensacola City and Japan’s Gero City, and their contribution is truly remarkable.
Ms. Mary Cunningham
<Summary of Contributions>
Ms. Mary Cunningham deepened her understanding of Japan during her time in Misawa, Aomori prefecture, where she lived from 1973 to 1977 with her husband, a Naval Chief Petty Officer. After returning to the United States, she joined the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida in 2000. Since 2008, she has held various positions within the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, including director, vice president, and president. Through association activities, such as the annual Japanese New Year Celebration, lectures related to Japan, and Japan US Military Program (JUMP) events, her efforts have contributed to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States. She has also made considerable efforts to support grassroots exchange, welcoming the students who visit Pensacola City from Gero City every year in the sister city exchange program.
The Foreign Minister's Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in the international community to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and other countries.
Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, Inc.
<Summary of Contributions>
The Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida was established 30 years ago, mainly by Japanese nationals residing in Pensacola, Japanese-Americans, and Americans who previously resided in Japan. They work on a voluntary basis and contribute to mutual understanding and fostering friendship between Japan and the United States. Their “Annual Japanese New Year Celebration: The New Year” event has garnered particularly high levels of local participation. Since 2015, the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida has hosted Japan US Military Program (JUMP) event, which connects the large numbers of U.S. military personnel who previously lived in or retired from Japan and are currently living in the military base town of Pensacola. In addition, they are involved in the sister city exchange program between Pensacola City and Japan’s Gero City, and their contribution is truly remarkable.
Ms. Mary Cunningham
<Summary of Contributions>
Ms. Mary Cunningham deepened her understanding of Japan during her time in Misawa, Aomori prefecture, where she lived from 1973 to 1977 with her husband, a Naval Chief Petty Officer. After returning to the United States, she joined the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida in 2000. Since 2008, she has held various positions within the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, including director, vice president, and president. Through association activities, such as the annual Japanese New Year Celebration, lectures related to Japan, and Japan US Military Program (JUMP) events, her efforts have contributed to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States. She has also made considerable efforts to support grassroots exchange, welcoming the students who visit Pensacola City from Gero City every year in the sister city exchange program.