Consul General Shinozuka awards the Japan America Society of South Carolina with the Consul General’s Commendation

    On March 5th, Consul General (CG) Shinozuka was a guest of honor at the Japan America Society of South Carolina (JAASC) annual dinner on which occasion he recognized the non-profit organization with the certificate of the Consul General’s Commendation. This award was presented in acknowledgment of all the contributions that JAASC has made since its inception in 1988 in introducing Japanese culture to the community including the Bon Dance Cultural Festival in summer, operating the Japanese Language School, working with the Consulate General of Japan to promote US-Japan economic exchange, and furthering relations between Japan and South Carolina. In addition, given that this year marks the 5th commemoration since the Great East Japan Earthquake, CG Shinozuka specifically mentioned to JAASC's fundraising efforts for the victims and donating more than $30,000 through the American Red Cross. Consul General Shinozuka expressed his gratitude for the JAASC fundraising activities.

    The annual dinner was a great success with about 260 people in attendance including SC Senator Floyd Nicholson and his wife, the SC Department of Commerce Director of International Strategy and Trade Ford Graham , and the Director of Trade, JAASC Co-Chairmen and executives Kunichi Satoshi and Craig Landgren, Board of Directors, JAASC members.

Consul General's Commendation to the Japan America Society of South Carolina (March 5, 2016)

About 260 people in attendance at the dinner.

CG Shinozuka explaining the significance of the award.

Co-Chairmen Mr. Kunichi and Mr. Landgren with the Certificate of Commendation.

CG Shinozuka expresses his gratitude for the JAASC's fundraising activities

Ford Graham, SC Department of Commerce Director of International Strategy and Trade

From the left, SC Department of Commerce Director of International Strategy and Trade Ford Graham, CG Shinozuka, Fujifilm Manufacturing USA President Kuraoka, Mrs. Graham, Tokyo Gas ES America Senior Vice President Kurimoto,Suminoe Textile America president (Japan-America Society Co-Chairman) Kunichu, Senator Nicholson's wife, JAASC Co-Chairman Langren, Consul Yamamitsu, and Senator Nicholson