Award Ceremony at the Portland Japanese Garden

On January 24, 2023, the Consular Office of Japan in Portland and the Portland Japanese Garden held an awards ceremony at the Garden for two individuals who have made outstanding contributions to cultural exchange between the United States and Japan over the years.

The Government of Japan, in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, presented the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays to Mrs. Diane Marie Durston in recognition of her distinguished contributions to the introduction of Japanese culture in the United States, and to the promotion of mutual understanding between the two countries. Mrs. Durston, who lived in Kyoto for nearly 20 years, has had a significant impact on the development of the Portland Japanese Garden. Over many years, her guidance as a capable curator has helped establish this beautiful place as one of the finest Japanese gardens in the world. Beyond this, she has released books on Japanese art and culture, produced many successful events including large Japan-related special exhibitions at national museums and universities in the United States, and left a deep and lasting legacy of respect and friendship in Portland, in Japan and around the world.

Mr. Sadafumi Uchiyama has been contributing to the popularization of Japanese gardens throughout North America since he was first involved in the creation of Japanese gardens in North America in the 1990s. In particular, he played a major role in the large-scale expansion of the Portland Japanese Garden in collaboration with renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and established the International Japanese Garden Training Center there to educate the next generations of Japanese garden technicians. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan presented Mr. Uchiyama with the Foreign Minister's Commendation in recognition of his significant achievements in promoting Japanese culture in the United States.

Consul General Masaki Shiga, who delivered a congratulatory address at the ceremony, said that their many accomplishments have contributed greatly to the deep and special partnership that has existed and will continue to exist between the United States and Japan in the areas of culture and the arts.

The ceremony was attended by many garden supporters and friends, who shared in the joy of the event. Congratulations to Mrs. Durston and Mr. Uchiyama for receiving the honor!

(Courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden, photos by Nina Johnson)