Consulate General of Japan in Detroit

Contact:
Glenn Oswald                                                                 Consulate General of Japan
Lana Mini                                                                      Public Relations
Marx Layne & Company                                                    (313) 567-0120 ext. 226
(248) 855-6777

JAPAN'S IMPERIAL DECORATION AWARDED TO MRS. YOKO MOSSNER OF SAGINAW

DETROIT, Mich. – NOV. 07, 2016– Mrs. Yoko Mossner, Executive Director of the Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House and Gardens of Saginaw, was selected to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, for her tireless contributions to friendship and goodwill between the United States and Japan, and enthusiastic promotion of Japanese culture. The 2016 Autumn Imperial Decorations were announced on November 3, 2016 by the government of Japan.

Mrs. Mossner, born in Tokyo, moved to Saginaw, Michigan in 1957. Within three years she became active in People to People International, founded by President Eisenhower, and actively pursued a sister-city relationship between Saginaw and Tokushima, Japan which was established in 1961. Her invaluable contributions have facilitated numerous academic, cultural and leadership exchanges, and fifty-five years later she continues to be committed to the rich and mutually beneficial alliance.

Mrs. Mossner’s enthusiasm, diligence and fundraising efforts were instrumental in the construction, maintenance and management of a Japanese garden in Saginaw to commemorate 20 years of a fruitful partnership, as well as an authentic Japanese teahouse built five years later in 1986. As director of the Japanese Cultural Center she has introduced various aspects of traditional Japanese culture to countless visitors. The Japanese Garden and Culture Center, which became a symbol of the Saginaw-Tokushima sister city relationship, is beloved by the residents throughout the region. It is well known that a Japan Festival is held there annually and many couples celebrate their weddings there as well.

Mitsuhiro Wada, Consul General of Japan in Detroit, will soon hold a conferment ceremony honoring Mrs. Mossner for her all she has done to advance friendship and goodwill between the U.S. and Japan. Consul General Wada stated, “It is an honor for us to publically recognize Yoko Mossner for cultivating and nurturing this close friendship and genuine respect between the cities of Saginaw and Tokushima – which she accomplishes with both intensity and grace.”

The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, is conferred in the name of Japan’s Emperor, and acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture.

About the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit
The Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit was established in 1993 by the Government of Japan to serve in the states of Michigan and Ohio.  The Detroit office is one of 14 Japanese Consulates General in the United States.  The Consulate strives to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture through educational and cultural programs.  The office protects the interests of Japanese citizens and strengthens the Japan-U.S. alliance through furthering relations with local governments, companies, educational institutions, cultural organizations and the general public. For more information, visit www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm or call (313) 567-0120. 

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