l Joanne Miyako Ninomiya, former President of KIKU-TV, will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for her contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture and friendship between Japan and the United States. While at KIKU-TV, Ninomiya introduced Hawaii viewers to many popular Japanese TV programs with English subtitles, which allowed non-Japanese-speaking viewers to appreciate those programs. She also produced a number of TV documentaries with ties with Japan. After the tragic sinking of the Ehime Maru in 2001, she produced television announcements requesting donations to the Ehime Maru Fund, and traveled to Ehime Prefecture with other representatives from Hawaii to offer condolences to family members and to deliver funds raised by the local community to officials in Uwajima. Ninomiya is President of JN Productions Inc.

l Lillian Emiko Noda Yajima, former president of Japanese Women's Society of Honolulu, will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for her contribution to the welfare of Japanese-Americans and to the promotion of friendship between Japan and the United States. A Charter and Lifetime member of the Society, Yajima has been involved with various activities to help the Kuakini Medical Center's care facility for the elderly, including fundraising events and the "Adopt-A-Mum" program. Yajima has volunteered for community service through various organizations, including the United Japanese Society of Hawaii where she has served as Director for many years. She also has been a strong supporter of the Cherry Blossom Festival sponsored by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce since 1953, and received the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Community Service Award in 1998 for her dedication to the program.

l Richard Takaomi Miyao, an attorney-at-law, will receive the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his service to the Japanese community overseas and to the Consulate-General of Japan. While he practiced law in San Diego, Miyao provided legal counsel to Japanese companies and served as member of Japan-California Economic Advisory Council. Miyao also acted as adviser to the schools for Japanese children overseas in San Diego (Minato Gakuen) and in Honolulu (Rainbow Gakuen), and helped the school educating Japanese children. As legal counsel to the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu, Miyao has provided advice on various legal matters to the Consulate and supported its activities to assist Japanese nationals.

For information regarding Japan's decorations and medals, please refer to the Web site www8.cao.go.jp/intro/kunsho/english/.