This decoration awarded by the Government of Japan, the “Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Star”, is awarded to the President of the Chamber Isidoro Hodara for his career and work in strengthening economic relations and ties between both countries.
Upon receiving the award, the president of the Uruguayan-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Isidoro Hodara, said a few words to those present on the occasion of the distinction by the government of Japan:
«Thank you very much, Hideki San.
Dear all:
I appreciate that we are meeting in this very special occasion. Receiving this recognition is something that fills me with gratitude and makes it difficult for me to share all the feelings that it awakens in me.
Let me begin then by referring to an expression full of Japanese wisdom: ICHI-GO ICHI-E. It means something like: Once, a meeting, or “an opportunity in a lifetime.” It invites us to value this meeting and appreciate this instance as a valuable treasure, something unique and practically irreparable.
I must say that I understand that this distinction corresponds to many whom I must thank for their invaluable contribution.
To the Uruguayan-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its team. Allow me to single out Jorge Costa, Horacio Mailhos, Daniel De Mattos, and Luis Marsiglia, and to particularly mention Gustavo Idoyaga, who was a pillar until the recent date of his death.
It also entails a well-deserved recognition to all those who acted in the Committee for the Celebration of the First Centenary of Diplomatic Relations between Uruguay and Japan. There are so many and they have done so with such tact and enthusiasm that this prevents me from mentioning just a few and committing an injustice that is unforgivable. I also find it essential to mention recognition to all the firms and entities that collaborated with their donations to carry out the activities that have been carried out within the framework of this Committee.
It is also necessary to acknowledge the Embassy and all the officials led by Hideki San, naturally. Also to Ambassador Tatsuhiro Shindo and those who lent their shoulders at the beginning of the process of Celebration of the First Centenary.
It is also fair to mention the National Authorities who contributed to the better performance of the functions that fell to me. Particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, UYXXI, and INAC from Montevideo, and our Ambassador Victoria Francolino from Tokyo.
When Hideki San presented us with the award he had given us on behalf of the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2021, a similar award was also given to the Uruguayan-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and to various organizations in our midst. On this occasion, when the message comes from the Imperial Palace, I feel that it really reaches all those who have done so much for the development of ties between our two countries.
To everyone, then, thank you very much, domo arigato gozaimazu.«