Conferment Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for Mr. Clay Jackson

On Thursday, September 4, Consul-General Watanabe held a conferment ceremony at the Consul General's official residence in Nashville, Tennessee, to present the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays to Mr. Clay Jackson, former Co-Chair of the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Advisory Committee. Mr. Clay Jackson, together with his wife Mrs. Cathy Jackson, served as Co-Chair of the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Advisory Committee. In addition to his contributions to the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, cherry tree planting activities in the Nashville area, and support for Cheekwood Botanical Garden, he has contributed to the evolution of mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the State of Tennessee. 
At the ceremony, Consul-General Watanabe presented the conferment to Mr. Clay Jackson for his contributions to introducing Japanese culture in the United States and promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. He expressed his congratulations and presented the citation and medal. 

Following the remarks by Mr. Clay Jackson, U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, representing the attendees, delivered a congratulatory address, expressing gratitude for Mr. Jackson's efforts as a bridge between Japan and Tennessee. Subsequently, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell also addressed the gathering, highlighting how support for the Cherry Blossom Festival strengthens the cultural and economic bonds between the two cities. Finally, Sammie Arnold, Executive Director of the Tennessee Japan-America Society, proposed a toast, expressing gratitude for Mr. Clay Jackson's support of both the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Tennessee Japan-America Society.