Russell Duff Awarded Japanese Order of the
Rising Sun Decoration for
Contributions to Relations Between Japan and New Zealand

Mr. Russell Gordon Duff of Wanaka, New Zealand, has been awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays decoration of Japan for his contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and New Zealand.

The Order will be presented on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan by H.E. Mr Hideto Mitamura, Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand, at a reception scheduled for August.

Mr. Duff originally developed an interest in Japan over 30 years ago when he worked to host Japanese tour groups to the Otago region.  He has since had a strong involvement in promoting Japan as a tourist destination for New Zealanders, and has assisted with receiving inbound tour groups from Japan.  This contact with Japan through tourism was the major motivation for Mr. Duff in beginning Japanese language lessons.

In 1986 Mr. Duff initiated the Dunedin – Otaru Sister City Society to establish a direct “people to people” link between the citizens of Dunedin and Otaru, Japan, and served as president of the society for twenty years until 2006.  Under the stewardship of Mr. Duff, the Society has been the main link between the two cities, and between citizens of Otago and Japan in a wider sense.

Since the founding of the Sister City Society Mr. Duff has made numerous visits to Japan, most recently in July 2010 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the sister city relationship.  During this time he has also assisted with hosting many civic delegations from Otaru and Japan.

Mr. Duff and the Sister City Society have actively supported the teaching of the Japanese language in New Zealand schools, and each year since 1995 they have organised a Japanese Language Competition for students from local high schools.  Mr. Duff was also instrumental in organising Japan Week celebrations in Dunedin, featuring city-wide demonstrations of Japanese arts and culture.

Further information about the Order and the award ceremony is available from the Embassy of Japan in Wellington.

END

Nanette Kwok Invested with Japanese Order of the Rising Sun Decoration for Promotion of Japanese Culture

Nanette Kwok Invested with Japanese Order of the Rising Sun Decoration for Promotion of Japanese Culture

Hon. Mayumi Moriyama Receives a New Zealand Honour

On 19 March 2009, Hon. Mayumi Moriyama, a member of the House of Representatives of Japan, received a New Zealand honour.

The Investiture Ceremony for recipients of the 2009 New Year New Zealand Honours was held at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch. Hon. Moriyama attended the ceremony as a recipient and was awarded her honour by the Governor-General, The Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand.

She was bestowed as an Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (O.N.Z.M). When she received her honour, it was very impressive to see her wearing a Kimono, the Japanese traditional national costume.

Hon. Moriyama, who is the current chairperson of the Japan-New Zealand Parliamentarian’s Friendship League in Japan, was acknowledged for her contribution to Japan-New Zealand relations. It is expected that this conferment will give impetus to the further development of relations between the two countries.

Hon. Moriyama being awarded her honour by The Governor-General
The Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand

Hon. Moriyama (left) and The Governor-General The Honourable
Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand (middle and right)

Hon. Moriyama (left) and Ambassador Takahashi (right)

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