Consulate Activities
2026/3/9
2025 Fall Imperial Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Bertrand Yoshito Kobayashi
Mr. Kobayashi and Consul General Chotoku
Mr. Kobayashi and Attendees
On March 3, 2026, at the Consul General’s Official Residence, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette was conferred to Mr. Bertrand Yoshito Kobayashi.
Mr. Kobayashi served in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature for approximately 28 years, contributing to the development of local governance. He actively promoted international exchange and cooperation, particularly between Hawaiʻi and Japan. He has contributed to strengthening the long-term Japan-U.S. relations by expanding exchanges between local governments and building grassroots partnerships. In particular, he has made significant contributions to promoting sister-state relationships with Fukuoka and Hiroshima Prefectures. He also supported exchanges among Japanese and American political leaders, fostering friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
At the ceremony, Consul General Chotoku congratulated Mr. Kobayashi and expressed deep respect for his contributions to promoting friendship and goodwill between Japan and Hawaiʻi as well as Japan and the United States. He highlighted Mr. Kobayashi’s leadership in sister state exchanges with Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as his role in advancing multi-layered exchanges and strengthening mutual understanding and trust between Japan and the United States. In his speech, Mr. Kobayashi explained his dedication to fostering Japan-U.S. relations through his work with the Hawaiʻi Fukuoka Kenjin Kai, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, and the Hawaiʻi State Sister State Program, particularly in strengthening sister-state ties with Fukuoka Prefecture and promoting people-to-people exchanges, 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 Hideaki Chotoku
・Conferment of the Imperial Decoration – Consul General Hideaki Chotoku
・Recipient’s Speech – Mr. Bertrand Yoshito Kobayashi
・Congratulatory Message – Professor Keith Sakuda, University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu
・Kampai Toast –Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, former First Lady of Hawaiʻi
Mr. Kobayashi served in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature for approximately 28 years, contributing to the development of local governance. He actively promoted international exchange and cooperation, particularly between Hawaiʻi and Japan. He has contributed to strengthening the long-term Japan-U.S. relations by expanding exchanges between local governments and building grassroots partnerships. In particular, he has made significant contributions to promoting sister-state relationships with Fukuoka and Hiroshima Prefectures. He also supported exchanges among Japanese and American political leaders, fostering friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
At the ceremony, Consul General Chotoku congratulated Mr. Kobayashi and expressed deep respect for his contributions to promoting friendship and goodwill between Japan and Hawaiʻi as well as Japan and the United States. He highlighted Mr. Kobayashi’s leadership in sister state exchanges with Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as his role in advancing multi-layered exchanges and strengthening mutual understanding and trust between Japan and the United States. In his speech, Mr. Kobayashi explained his dedication to fostering Japan-U.S. relations through his work with the Hawaiʻi Fukuoka Kenjin Kai, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, and the Hawaiʻi State Sister State Program, particularly in strengthening sister-state ties with Fukuoka Prefecture and promoting people-to-people exchanges, 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 Hideaki Chotoku
・Conferment of the Imperial Decoration – Consul General Hideaki Chotoku
・Recipient’s Speech – Mr. Bertrand Yoshito Kobayashi
・Congratulatory Message – Professor Keith Sakuda, University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu
・Kampai Toast –Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, former First Lady of Hawaiʻi