by DAICHI KISE
Hokubei Mainichi

The spring 2009 conferment of honors from the Japanese government continued on June 16 when Shotaro Hayashigatani was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

At his official residence, the Japanese consul general in San Francisco, Yasumasa Nagamine, presented Hayashigatani with the award. About 30 of Hayashigatani’s friends and family gathered for the occasion and were all smiles as his accomplishments were feted.

Aiding Education

Hayashigatani established the Port of Sacramento Japanese School in California’s capital in April 1978 as an institution of supplementary education. The school now teaches kindergarten through high school and is unique in that it uses textbooks published in Japan for teaching classes such as Japanese language and social studies.

Hayashigatani has served as principal since the school’s inception 30 years ago. The Port of Sacramento Japanese School is well-known and trusted both in the Japanese American and Japanese expatriate communities.

In addition, Hayashigatani established the Japanese Studies program at CSU Sacramento. He currently teaches while contributing in various ways to the development of Japanese language education and research in the U.S.

Recognition of Hayashigatani’s achievements is not a recent thing. In 1990, he was awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his contributions to the mutual friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Japan.

‘Wears Many Hats’

Nagamine praised the educator’s long-standing efforts, saying, “He is a man of versatility that skilfully wears many hats, and he is a living example of how continuing to work hard through adversity brings results. I hope he continues to play an active role for the Japanese American community as the walking encyclopedia he has come to be known as.”

Hayashigatani feels strongly about his calling, saying that for Japanese in the tough position of living in a foreign land, “Maintaining culture and language is akin to maintaining our identity.” He spoke passionately on the subject, saying that playing this role has kept him moving forward.

Looking back at the “hardships and the continued efforts” of the past 30 years, Hayashigatani felt moved at all that has been accomplished. During the toast, he pledged to continue to do his best for the Japanese American community and with that, drained his champagne glass with vigor.

Translated by Lefteris Kafatos