2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations

Name:	Roy Mitsuru Hirabayashi
Decoration:	Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
Service:	Contributed to introducing Japanese culture in the United States and promoting friendly relations between Japan and the United States
Major Titles:	Former Executive Director of San Jose Taiko, Co-Founder of San Jose Taiko
Address:	San Jose, California, U.S.A

Summary of Contributions:

Mr. Roy Mitsuru Hirabayashi is one of the co-founders of San Jose Taiko, which has grown to become one of the largest taiko drumming organizations in North America, drawing in audiences of over 75,000 annually. He has made significant contributions to the promotion and development of taiko culture in the United States. Through his taiko performances, Hirabayashi has paved the way for community service and the expression of Japanese American and other Asian American identities. He has also played a crucial role in maintaining the cultural vitality of San Jose Japantown, which is one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the United States.