Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine presents the commendation to Amey Aizawa.

by J.K. YAMAMOTO
Hokubei Mainichi

The Foreign Minister’s Commendation was presented to long-time Japanese American community leader Hatsuro Aizawa on Sept. 25, but there was one thing missing from the ceremony — the honoree.

Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine, who hosted the event at his official residence in San Francisco, announced that Aizawa had been hospitalized the night before. Although he was in stable condition and wanted to attend the ceremony, his doctor told him not to, Nagamine said.

Accepting the award, which is given to individuals and groups that play an important role in promoting friendly U.S.-Japan relations, was Aizawa’s wife of 62 years, Amey. She read her husband’s prepared statement.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to receive this prestigious award from the Japanese government,” Aizawa wrote. “No one can imagine how proud this makes me, and I humbly accept this honor. When I was in my teens, whenever anyone received any such award, there was much excitement and celebration. Now I understand why ...

“Many of you may question my qualifications. After this announcement, even the prime minister of Japan earlier this month decided to resign. In spite of all this, I am not giving it back.

“To me, the award symbolizes the culmination of my life and my career. I guess I must have made some difference in my relationship with events and people ...

“My parents, like all Isseis, taught us the traditional cultural values and importance of being good citizens and proud to be Japanese. They instilled in me my love of Japan, which I possess today. Even my brother Seiji, right after the war, spent 40 years of his life in Japan. I dedicate this award to our parents’ memory, and all Isseis.”

Among other contributions, Aizawa was recognized for his work as a board member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (for over 30 years) and the Asian Art Museum and as a member of the San Francisco-Osaka Sister City Association.

He was also co-chair of San Francisco Japantown’s centennial celebration in 2006 and is currently on the board of the newly established San Francisco Japantown Foundation.

Isao “Steve” Matsuura of MIK International, president of the JCCNC, first met Aizawa in the 1970s while assigned to the San Francisco branch of Sanwa Bank. Aizawa was very helpful and has been his mentor ever since, Matsuura said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Nagamine, who said that he sees Aizawa at almost every event and has come to rely on Aizawa’s invaluable advice and assistance.

The toast was led by Paul Osaki, executive director of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, another organization in which Aizawa has been active. Osaki suggested that perhaps Aizawa’s absence was his way of giving the spotlight to his wife for her many years of support for his endeavors.

Aizawa was released from the hospital the following week.