Image courtesy of Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
On April 29, the Government of Japan announced the Japanese Imperial Decoration recipients for spring 2022, which included Mr. Kunio Minami, former Chair of the Japanese Garden Advisory Committee for Hermann Park Conservancy.
Mr. Minami will be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, in recognition of his valuable contributions to promoting Japanese culture and advancing the welfare of Japanese nationals in Houston.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park, which opened on May 4, 1992. The Garden is a symbol of Japan-U.S. friendship and is a tribute to Houston’s thriving Japanese community.
Over the years, the garden began to lose the essence and beauty unique to Japanese-styled gardens. Mr. Minami led the efforts of the Japanese community in developing a garden restoration project.
From 2007 to 2021, as Chair of Hermann Park Conservancy’s Japanese Garden Advisory Committee, Mr. Minami worked tirelessly to manage, restore, and renovate the Japanese Garden, including through his support of Japanese gardeners during annual visits. For nearly 20 years, Mr. Minami has been a central figure in Houston’s efforts to bring life back to the Japanese Garden.
This decoration represents the Japanese Government’s recognition of Mr. Minami’s valuable contributions to the Japanese Garden, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary celebration. A conferment ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays for Mr. Minami will be organized by the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston later this year.