Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2026
2026/9/24
On Thursday, September 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for 2026. Within the jurisdiction of the Consular Office of Japan in Portland, the following individuals will receive Commendations for their contributions to the strengthening of relations between Japan and the United States.
Suwako Watanabe, Portland State University, Department of World Languages and Literatures, Department Chair
Contribution: Promotion of Japanese language education in the U.S.A.
Graham Morris, Japan-America Society of Oregon, Executive Director
Contribution: Promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S.A.
Summary of Contributions
The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and organizations with outstanding achievements in international fields to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public towards the activities of recipients.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s official press release
Suwako Watanabe, Portland State University, Department of World Languages and Literatures, Department Chair
Contribution: Promotion of Japanese language education in the U.S.A.
Graham Morris, Japan-America Society of Oregon, Executive Director
Contribution: Promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S.A.
Summary of Contributions
The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and organizations with outstanding achievements in international fields to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public towards the activities of recipients.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s official press release