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2014 Spring Conferment of Japanese Imperial Decoration Awarded to Mr. Dennis Teranishi and Ms. Yoshiko Takahara

On Tuesday, April 29, the Government of Japan will confer decorations to the following individuals of merit in recognition of their contributions to the promotion of friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States:

• Mr. Dennis Teranishi, President & CEO of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) and former Vice Chairman & CEO of Hawaii Host Inc., will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his contribution to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the United States through economic and technological exchanges. Mr. Teranishi received his Bachelor of Science degree in crop science from California State Polytechnic University in 1966, and his Master of Science degree in soil chemistry and plant nutrition from the University of Hawaii in 1968. Mr. Teranishi has been a member of the Board of Directors of PICHTR since 1999. PICHTR was established in 1983, as a result of an agreement between Japan and the United States to develop and deploy appropriate sustainable energy technologies for Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Teranishi has served in many leadership roles such as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Board, playing a key role in spearheading the planning and operational aspects of PICHTR’s various high technology projects. Mr. Teranishi currently serves as President and CEO of PICHTR and continues to lead the organization.  Mr. Teranishi will be conferred with this Order for exhibiting exceptional leadership in organizing and managing PICHTR’s various high technology projects, and thus, contributing to the promotion of the cooperation between the United States and Japan in the field of high technology.  In addition, as a member of the US-Japan Council Board of Councilors, Mr. Teranishi has strongly promoted the Council’s activities especially in Hawaii, where there is large Japanese-American population, and hence, contributing to the advancement of Japanese-Americans within our local communities and the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.

• Ms. Yoshiko Takahara (Ms. Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone), a Ryukyu Dance performer and the President of the Hooge Ryu Hana Niji no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy, will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for her contributions to the perpetuation of Okinawan culture in Hawaii.   For over five decades, Ms. Takahara dedicated herself to teaching the traditional art of Ryukyu Dance and organizing numerous performances in the community.  Through her work, she promoted and instilled traditional Japanese values at the grassroots level, thereby contributing to the mutual understanding between Japan and Hawaii and Japan and the United States.