2026 Spring Conferment of Decoration Ceremony (Mr. Norman Kiyomitsu Takeuchi)
2026/7/3
On July 3, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi conferred upon Mr. Norman Kiyomitsu Takeuchi the decoration of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays at a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s official residence as part of the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.
As a Japanese Canadian visual artist, Mr. Takeuchi has conveyed the history of the Japanese-Canadian community in Canada and contributed to the promotion of cultural exchanges between Japan and Canada in the field of art, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing the status of Japanese Canadians.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Yamanouchi delivered a congratulatory speech before conferring the certificate of award and decoration to Mr. Takeuchi, followed by an acceptance speech from the recipient.
Afterwards, Ms. Frances Itani, a friend of Mr. Takeuchi and a renowned author, delivered a congratulatory address, and Mr. Kris Hatashita, a friend and a collector of Mr. Takeuchi’s works, offered his congratulations and a toast.
Following the speeches, a short documentary film about Mr. Takeuchi, directed by Ms. Aki Takabatake, “Shapes In Between: Norman Takeuchi’s Journey” was screened.
In addition, Ambassador Yamanouchi celebrated Mr. Takeuchi's conferment by performing music with violinist Ms. Kana Imai, adding splendor to the special day.
The Government of Japan confers decorations to foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to deep promotion of friendly relations and mutual understanding with Japan. Decorations were conferred upon 94 foreign nationals (including 7 recipients such as Mr. Takeuchi in Canada) in spring 2026.
As a Japanese Canadian visual artist, Mr. Takeuchi has conveyed the history of the Japanese-Canadian community in Canada and contributed to the promotion of cultural exchanges between Japan and Canada in the field of art, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing the status of Japanese Canadians.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Yamanouchi delivered a congratulatory speech before conferring the certificate of award and decoration to Mr. Takeuchi, followed by an acceptance speech from the recipient.
Afterwards, Ms. Frances Itani, a friend of Mr. Takeuchi and a renowned author, delivered a congratulatory address, and Mr. Kris Hatashita, a friend and a collector of Mr. Takeuchi’s works, offered his congratulations and a toast.
Following the speeches, a short documentary film about Mr. Takeuchi, directed by Ms. Aki Takabatake, “Shapes In Between: Norman Takeuchi’s Journey” was screened.
In addition, Ambassador Yamanouchi celebrated Mr. Takeuchi's conferment by performing music with violinist Ms. Kana Imai, adding splendor to the special day.
The Government of Japan confers decorations to foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to deep promotion of friendly relations and mutual understanding with Japan. Decorations were conferred upon 94 foreign nationals (including 7 recipients such as Mr. Takeuchi in Canada) in spring 2026.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi delivering his congratulatory speech |
Mr. Takeuchi accepting the certificate and decoration of the Order |
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| Mr. Takeuchi and Ambassador Yamanouchi holding the certificate |
Mr. Takeuchi delivering his acceptance speech |
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| Congratulatory address by Ms.Itani |
Mr. Hatashita offering a toast |
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| Screening of “Shapes In Between: Norman Takeuchi’s Journey” |
Musical performance by Ambassador Yamanouchi and Ms. Imai |
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| (from left) Mr. Hatashita, Ms. Itani, Mr. Takeuchi, Ambassador Yamanouchi and Mrs. Takeuchi | Guests after the buffet opened |