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Japan-America Society of Tennessee Honors Community Service

NASHVILLE -- Governor Phil Bredesen joined by His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, Amassador from Japan to the United States, presented this year's Community Service Awards to five honorees during the non-profit organization's ninth annual membership meeting in Nashville. The awards program recognizes significant contributions toward expanded relationships and improved understanding between the people of Japan and Tennessee.

"We're very fortunate in Tennessee to have good neighbors like the five being honored this year by the Japan-America Society," said Governor Bredesen. "Individually and collectively, their active community involvement continues to be a powerful force toward improved quality of life for all Tennesseans."

The Margaret Gooch Duffy Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Award recognizes outstanding volunteer achievement. For tireless efforts to establish the first of JAST?s regional activity centers in West Tennessee, with the overriding goal of bringing Japan and Tennessee closer together in understanding and friendship, Kanzi Takayama of Goh America Corporation is this year?s honoree.

The Iris Award recognizes visionary contributions to the Japan-Tennessee relationship. This year?s Iris Award honors Dr. Sachiko Matsushita for her tremendous contributions and hard work devoted to bringing the joy, knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture to the Memphis area as a special Japan Outreach Initative Coordinator at the University of Memphis from 2007-2009. Dispatched to West Tennessee through a grant from the Japan Foundation, Dr. Matsushita has brought previously unavailable opportunities to the area including classes in Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo), Japanese language and culture.

The Chrysanthemum Award recognizes exceptional corporate citizenship by Japanese-owned companies that consistently devote significant resources to serving their communities and involve employees at all levels in guiding decisions about company support for community projects. Recipients this year in the large employer category (more than 500 employees) included Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LaVergne, and Nissan North America.

In the medium employer category, JTEKT Automotive Tennessee of Morristown was recognized for its significant environmental initiatives and contributions to the community's education and economic development.

A committee comprised of JAST members selected this year's honorees from nominations solicited earlier this year.