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ON SCENE: Sumiko Hennessy receives award from Japan
From left: Mr. Nobuyoshi (Peter) Tanaka Ms. Yasuko O Squires Dr. Sumiko T Hennessy Dr. Richard C Hennessy Dr. Patricia B Cohen Dr. Annie Leiter Mrs. Kyoko Tanaka
Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy honored by Japan with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
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On November 13, 2022, Consul General of Japan in Denver Mikami Yoichi recognized Dr. Sumiko T Hennessy with a decoration in recognition of her endeavor.
Hennessy was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays medal. She is the former Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Development Center which was founded in 1980. She was invited to come to Japan to help establish the Tokyo University School of Social Welfare in the year 2000, taught social work courses and served as the Dean of Field Work Practice.
Upon returning to US in 2004, she and her husband co-founded Crossroads for Social Work, LLC to train social workers and mental health professionals in Japan and the US.
The Imperial Crest of the Paulownia shows that this medal is awarded by the Emperor of Japan. The government of Japan announced on April 29, 2022 (Emperor’s Birthday), the 2022 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Japanese Nationals for their outstanding contributions to their respective areas. Hennessy was honored as the Denver recipient, The ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic. The award and scroll also needed to be hand delivered as it made its way from Japan to Los Angeles to Denver.
The conferment ceremony occurred just as Hennessy celebrated her 85th birthday with family members in town to celebrate both occasions.
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays medal shows the Imperial Crest of the Paulownia. Consul-General Mikami Yoichi awards Hennessy at the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver’s residence. Hennessy expresses her gratitude for the award and shows the message from the government of Japan.
