Foreign Minister’s Commendation Conferment Ceremony for Ms. Ezilda Samoville

On Monday, June 24, Consul General Osumi presented Ms. Ezilda Samoville, former Director of the California State Senate Office of International Relations, with the 2020 Foreign Minister’s Commendation at a ceremony held in Sacramento. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. HORII Iwao, Member of House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles SONE Kenko, and Senator John Laird.

Ms. Samoville helped establish a regular program of sending State Senators to Japan, opening the door for continuous communication among elected officials of Japan and California. Thanks to her initiative as the Director of the Senate Office of International Relations, the program has continued for nearly 30 years and brought more than 55 legislators to Japan over 20 trips. She has also played an important role in hosting countless delegations from Japan. Her dedication has helped promote the mutual understanding and friendship between the elected officials of Japan and California. For these achievements, she was awarded this commendation in December of 2020.