Written by: Courtney Ozaki

Long-standing community and Sakura Foundation board member Charles Ozaki was presented with the Emperor of Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays by the Consul General of Japan in Colorado, Midori Takeuchi, on September 4, 2019.  This award, established in 1875, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Japan.  Charles’ receipt of this honor recognizes his dedication to supporting U.S.-Japan relations and Japanese American communities, both in Colorado and in the U.S.   As City and County Manager of Broomfield he developed and cultivated a sister city relationship with Ueda in Japan’s Nagano prefecture and facilitated the exchange of information between Japanese and Colorado businesses, planting seeds for future opportunities.  He also serves as the President of the Buddhist Churches of America Endowment Foundation, is on the Board of the Institute of Buddhist Studies, is the Chair of the Sakura Square LLC Board of Managers, is a member of the U.S.-Japan Council, and sits on the boards of the Sakura Foundation, Japan America Society of Colorado and Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temples. We celebrate this honor with Charles and are grateful to his many contributions to our community.