HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Two men were honored for their role in strengthening the friendly relationship between Japan and Guam.
On Wednesday evening at the official residence of the consul-general of Japan, Rumiko Ishigami, a ceremony was held for Guam residents Tamotsu Iizuka and Yoshihiro “Luckie” Sakamoto, who received conferment certificates from the minister of foreign affairs of Japan.
Ishigami explained in her opening remarks that Iizuka and Sakamoto deserved the “prestigious award” for their “big strides in not only the Japanese community of Guam, but within the local community as well.”
“Their time and dedication in their respective capacities have helped promote mutual understanding between Japan, Guam and the United States of America,” Ishigami added, discussing the accomplishments of the two men whose involvement in the island community spans several decades.
For Iizuka, who is affectionately known as “Tom,” Ishigami highlighted Iizuka’s success in opening Issin, a Japanese restaurant at the Westin Resort, and being a board member and director emeritus of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Before discussing Sakamoto, Ishigami recognized Iizuka for his involvement in growing the Japan Autumn Festival into what it is today. Sakamoto also had a role in promoting the festival during his time on Guam.
Sakamoto’s 50 years on the island, however, also involved being a liaison between the Japan Club and local government agencies and businesses and participating in charitable activities such as giving lectures on war and peace to Japanese School excursion students who would visit every fall before the pandemic.
Once Ishigami completed her remarks, she presented a framed certificate to Iizuka and Sakamoto, who gladly accepted.
The pair then each gave acceptance remarks in which they expressed how honored they felt to be receiving the certificates.
“This is beyond anything I could have imagined,” Iizuka said. “Since I came to Guam 52 years ago, I have been blessed to experience the warmth and kindness of these people. May the friendship between Japan and Guam continue to grow stronger.”
“I’m truly honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious minister of foreign affairs recognition. My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have played a vital role in making this acknowledgment possible,” Sakamoto said.
Tamotsu “Tom” Iizuka, left, and Yoshihiro “Luckie” Sakamoto receive conferment certificates from the minister of foreign affairs of Japan on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in Tamuning.
