Japanese Imperial Commendation awarded to Grand Master Mutsuko Minegishi
2024/11/4
The Consulate-General of Japan in Hagåtña announced today that Grand Master Mutsuko Minegishi, Founder of the Guam Aikikai, was awarded the commendation of “The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays”, on November 3, 2024, by the Government of Japan.
Grand Master Minegishi was selected for this prestigious award for her year-long contribution to promoting Japanese culture through Aikido in the United States of America, especially in Guam.
In 1999, Grand Master Minegishi established the Guam Aikikai. In 2010, she became the first woman to be certified with the 7th Dan by the Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai Hombu Dojo). In Guam, she has made significant contributions to the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Guam by promoting understanding of Japan through Aikido demonstrations at cultural events hosted by the Consulate-General, the Japan Club of Guam, and seminars organized by the Guam government. She has been invited by Aikido dojos in 45 countries worldwide, where she has utilized her English skills to accurately impart Aikido techniques and philosophy. She has served as an honorary president of the South African Aikido Federation and as a technical advisor in several countries. Even now, she actively trains the next generation and has made significant achievements in widely promoting Japanese culture within the Guam community. Grand Master Minegishi received the "Meritorious Service Award" from the Governor of Guam in 2009 and the Foreign Minister's Commendation in 2015.
Grand Master Minegishi was selected for this prestigious award for her year-long contribution to promoting Japanese culture through Aikido in the United States of America, especially in Guam.
In 1999, Grand Master Minegishi established the Guam Aikikai. In 2010, she became the first woman to be certified with the 7th Dan by the Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai Hombu Dojo). In Guam, she has made significant contributions to the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Guam by promoting understanding of Japan through Aikido demonstrations at cultural events hosted by the Consulate-General, the Japan Club of Guam, and seminars organized by the Guam government. She has been invited by Aikido dojos in 45 countries worldwide, where she has utilized her English skills to accurately impart Aikido techniques and philosophy. She has served as an honorary president of the South African Aikido Federation and as a technical advisor in several countries. Even now, she actively trains the next generation and has made significant achievements in widely promoting Japanese culture within the Guam community. Grand Master Minegishi received the "Meritorious Service Award" from the Governor of Guam in 2009 and the Foreign Minister's Commendation in 2015.