2021 Spring Conferment of Imperial Decorations
2021/4/29
Today, 29 April 2021, the Government of Japan announced the recipients of the 2021 Spring Imperial Decorations. Two residents of New South Wales, Mr DEKURA Hideo, Food Researcher/Founder of Japanese Functions of Sydney, and Mr TOKURA Katsunori, former Chairman of Australia-Japan Cultural Exchange Association, will receive Decorations.
1. Mr DEKURA Hideo
Summary of Contributions: Since arriving in Australia in 1972, Mr Dekura has been engaged in managing restaurants producing genuine Japanese cuisine, worked as a food critic lecturing and consulting, and given demonstrations of Japanese cuisine. In addition, he has authored books on various themes, from kaiseki to izakaya menus, which have been published internationally. He has also written series of articles in the local Japanese media sharing his observations about how Australia has developed. In these ways, he has contributed to the popularisation of both the technical and cultural aspects of Japanese cuisine in Australia.
2. Mr TOKURA Katsunori
Summary of Contributions: From 1988 on, Mr Tokura presided over the “Australia-Japan Cultural Exchange Association” and contributes to the promotion of Japan-Australia friendship. In 1989, he organised a memorial service for the Australia and Japanese victims of the war in the city of Cowra, where there is a war cemetery for Japanese military and POWs who died during the Second World War in Australia. He also constructed an “Avenue of Cherry Trees (Sakura Avenue)” in Cowra and has made ongoing and significant contributions to Cowra’s “Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri)”.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Dekura and Mr Tokura on receiving their awards and acknowledges their achievements so far.
1. Mr DEKURA Hideo
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Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays Service: Contributed to the popularisation of Japanese cuisine Major Title: Food Researcher/Founder of Japanese Functions of Sydney |
2. Mr TOKURA Katsunori
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Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays Service: Contributed to Japan-Australia friendship Major Title: Former Chairman of Australia-Japan Cultural Exchange Association |
The Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Dekura and Mr Tokura on receiving their awards and acknowledges their achievements so far.