Consulate Activities

On September 26, 2025, at the Consul General’s Official Residence, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette was conferred to Dr. Mary G. McDonald.

 

Dr. McDonald served on the faculty of the University of Hawaii at Manoa for 26 years and made significant contributions to promoting academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Her efforts included serving on the JET Program selection committee, advancing inter-university exchange programs, and strengthening various Japan-U.S. exchange initiatives through her role as Director of the Center for Japanese Studies.

 

At the ceremony, Consul General Kodama congratulated Dr. McDonald and expressed deep respect for her contributions to strengthening Japan-U.S. relations. He highlighted Dr. McDonald’s leadership in the JET Program and study abroad exchanges, as well as her role in advancing Japanese studies in Hawaii. In her speech, Dr. McDonald explained her lifelong dedication to fostering Japan-U.S. relations through education, research, and cultural exchange, and thanked those in attendance for their support, noting that it was a great honor to receive the prestigious decoration.

 

The program for the Conferment Ceremony was as follows:

・ Opening Remarks – Consul General KODAMA Yoshinori 

・ Conferment of the Imperial Decoration – Consul General KODAMA Yoshinori 

・ Recipient’s Speech – Dr. Mary G. McDonald

・ Congratulatory Message – Professor Emeritus Robert Huey, University of Hawaii

・ Kampai Toast –Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, former First Lady of Hawaii