Memorial Reception for Ambassador Katsuhiko Oku and Bestowal Ceremony for Decoration of Mr Reg Clark, and Oku Memorial Trophy rugby matches
2023/11/24
On 24 November, Ambassador and Madame Hayashi hosted a reception at the Embassy of Japan in the UK to solemnly observe the 20th anniversary of the tragic loss of Ambassador Katsuhiko Oku and to support the Oku Memorial Trophy rugby matches, as well as the Ceremony for the Bestowal of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays upon Mr Reg Clark for his contribution to promoting cordial relations between Japan and the UK through rugby and education.
Ambassador Oku was shot dead on 29 November 2003 while he was engaged in reconstruction assistance in Iraq during his tenure at the Embassy of Japan in the UK. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic loss of Ambassador Oku. Mr Clark was one of Ambassador Oku’s best friends at Oxford University Rugby Football Club and has organised the Oku Memorial Trophy rugby matches annually since 2004, the year after Ambassador Oku was taken from us. He was a pioneer among foreign rugby players in Japan and used to play for Kobe Steel. He has also contributed to Anglo-Japanese exchange in the field of education, for example by bringing about the establishment of the ‘Oxford Kobe Scholarship’.
At the Bestowal Ceremony, in his remarks, Ambassador Hayashi began by reflecting on the character and life of Ambassador Oku, who was passionate about rugby and international peace, and offered some personal remarks. He also expressed his deep respect and appreciation for Mr Clark's contribution to promoting cordial relations between Japan and the UK through rugby and education, including the organisation of the Oku Memorial Trophy over the past 20 years. In response, while reflecting on his fond memories of Ambassador Oku and expressing his gratitude to everyone, Mr Clark declared that he was very honoured by the decoration and would like to dedicate it to Ambassador Oku, and that he was determined to continue his efforts such as through the Oku Memorial Trophy.
Ambassador and Madame Hayashi also watched the Oku Memorial Trophy rugby matches at the Richmond Athletic Ground the following day on 25 November, and conversed with the players afterwards.
Ambassador Oku was shot dead on 29 November 2003 while he was engaged in reconstruction assistance in Iraq during his tenure at the Embassy of Japan in the UK. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic loss of Ambassador Oku. Mr Clark was one of Ambassador Oku’s best friends at Oxford University Rugby Football Club and has organised the Oku Memorial Trophy rugby matches annually since 2004, the year after Ambassador Oku was taken from us. He was a pioneer among foreign rugby players in Japan and used to play for Kobe Steel. He has also contributed to Anglo-Japanese exchange in the field of education, for example by bringing about the establishment of the ‘Oxford Kobe Scholarship’.
At the Bestowal Ceremony, in his remarks, Ambassador Hayashi began by reflecting on the character and life of Ambassador Oku, who was passionate about rugby and international peace, and offered some personal remarks. He also expressed his deep respect and appreciation for Mr Clark's contribution to promoting cordial relations between Japan and the UK through rugby and education, including the organisation of the Oku Memorial Trophy over the past 20 years. In response, while reflecting on his fond memories of Ambassador Oku and expressing his gratitude to everyone, Mr Clark declared that he was very honoured by the decoration and would like to dedicate it to Ambassador Oku, and that he was determined to continue his efforts such as through the Oku Memorial Trophy.
Ambassador and Madame Hayashi also watched the Oku Memorial Trophy rugby matches at the Richmond Athletic Ground the following day on 25 November, and conversed with the players afterwards.
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