The Japanese government announced the recipients of its Spring 2017 Decorations, and had the Conferment Ceremony on May 31st at the official residence of the Consul General. The Japanese government annually awards citizens that have greatly contributed to either the country of Japan or to their Japanese American community. From the Consulate General of Japan in LA, Gary Yamauchi and Henry Yasushi Ota were selected. Consul General, Akira Chiba awarded Gary Yamauchi the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays with a certificate. Gary Yamauchi is a 3rd generation Japanese American who’s born in Chicago, IL and currently lives in Alhambra, CA. He was active as a professional bowler in his teenage years; after retirement, he started an independent vending company. Yamauchi is the mayor of Alhambra for 3 terms since 2007. Since then, he made sister tie-ups with the city of Kirishima in Kagoshima, Japan, where his roots lies in. Yamauchi also supports the Go For Broke National Education Center, where history of WWII Japanese American veterans can be learned. Many citizens continue to trust and support him from these many actions. Family and friends, representativea for Alhambra attended the Conferment Ceremony. Yamauchi stated “The people of Alhambra made this award possible” and lastly took a group photo.