On November 3, the Government of Japan announced the foreign recipients of the 2017 Autumn Imperial Decorations. One of 149 recipients worldwide, Donald Takeshi Yoshino, president of Yoshino Architecture, was honored with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. One of the highest ranking civilian honors awarded to those from other countries, the honor is in recognition of Yoshino’s commitment to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens and his work to promote an understanding of Japanese culture.
A third generation Japanese-American, Yoshino was born in an internment camp in Colorado during WWII and then was educated and started his career in California before moving to Boca Raton in the late 1980s, when he became aware of the Morikami Museum.
Mr. Yoshino was conferred the decoration by Consul General of Japan Ken Okaniwa on December 1at the opening ceremony of the Consulate’s National Day Reception celebrating the 84th birthday of His Majesty, Emperor Akihito of Japan.
“Donald’ssupport of the Morikami, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in June 2017, and his accomplishments in the years he served as a trustee greatly helped solidify its reputation as a major museum,” said Consul General of Japan for Florida Ken Okaniwa. “He implemented many new cultural programs and education initiatives that strengthen the friendship between Japan and Florida.”
Yoshino served on the board of trustees for the Morikami Museum from 1995-2007, including acting as president. He was instrumental in helping the museum achieve national accreditation from the American Association of Museums and served as a volunteer consultant for the construction of the Japanese Gardens including overseeing the transition from installation completion and continuing maintenance.
A fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Yoshino has been honored by the organization as a two-time Gold Medal Award winner and with its recognitions for Citizen Architect, Man of the Year, Unsung Hero Award, John Stetson Award and Hilliard T. Smith Community Service Award. Other recognitions include the Volunteer Service Award from Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation.
Yoshino received his degree in architectural engineering from California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo.
For more information about the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami, visit http://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html or call (305) 530-9090.
