Foreign Minister’s Commendation Conferment Ceremony for Mr. Mark Kato
2026/4/2
Consul General Otsuki acknowledging Mr. Kato for his achievements
Consul General Otsuki presenting the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mr. Kato
On Sunday, March 29, Consul General Otsuki presented Mr. Mark Kato with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in a ceremony at the Sunnyvale Community Center in recognition of his contributions to sister city relationships between Japan and the United States. The ceremony fittingly took place during the farewell reception for a delegation of students and chaperones from Sunnyvale’s sister city in Japan, Iizuka.
In his remarks, Consul General Otsuki acknowledged Mr. Kato for his passion, leadership, and community service, and thanked him for his partnership and friendship with the Consulate over the years.
Mr. Kato is the founder of the Sunnyvale-Iizuka sister city relationship, which was formalized in 2013. He established the Sunnyvale Sister City Association (SSCA) and served as its founding president. Mr. Kato was instrumental in growing the large network of volunteers for the relationship, effectively collaborating with school districts and educators, and initiating a successful adult exchange program, all of which are rare accomplishments in California-Japan sister city programs. He also was the founding vice president of the California-Japan Sister Cities Network, created in 2018 as a forum for those involved in California’s 100+ sister city relationships with Japan.
In his remarks, Consul General Otsuki acknowledged Mr. Kato for his passion, leadership, and community service, and thanked him for his partnership and friendship with the Consulate over the years.
Mr. Kato is the founder of the Sunnyvale-Iizuka sister city relationship, which was formalized in 2013. He established the Sunnyvale Sister City Association (SSCA) and served as its founding president. Mr. Kato was instrumental in growing the large network of volunteers for the relationship, effectively collaborating with school districts and educators, and initiating a successful adult exchange program, all of which are rare accomplishments in California-Japan sister city programs. He also was the founding vice president of the California-Japan Sister Cities Network, created in 2018 as a forum for those involved in California’s 100+ sister city relationships with Japan.
Mr. Kato speaking after accepting the Commendation
Visitors from Iizuka and other guests listening to Mr. Kato’s remarks
