May 9th 2021 O.A.

Spring 2021 Decorations

The Japanese government announced its recipients of Spring 2021 Decorations.
Two people were chosen from the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in LA.

Pasadena resident, David Yamahata was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.

David started working in the LAFD in 1971 and got promoted as the first Asian American Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations in
2011.

He worked with the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association on improving public safety as well as providing guidance for emergency preparedness.
In 2019, he was appointed as the president of Nisei Week Foundation and greatly contributed to the Japanese American community.

Douglas Erber from Long Beach received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

Douglas worked as the president of Japan America Society of Southern California for 17 years and actively supported the Great East Japan Earthquake relief funds.
He was involved in many successful projects like the workshop where a Japanese Kite Master was invited.

Douglas was in an exchange program in Anjo City, Aichi during college freshman which later led him in becoming the president of Sister City Association of Huntington Beach.
He worked hard for mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the US.