Japanese Government honours Mr Michael Houlihan
2024/1/26
On Friday 26 January 2024, Ambassador HAYASHI Hajime bestowed upon Mr Michael Houlihan The Order of the Rising Sun,Gold Rays with Rosette at a ceremony held at the Ambassador's residence.
Mr Houlihan was appointed as the first Director General of Japan House London in June 2016. He worked tirelessly to prepare for the opening of JHL, which took place in 2018. From that time until his retirement in October 2022, he succeeded in developing JHL into a solidly established institution in the heart of London, thereby doing a great deal to promote the appeal of Japan.
Ambassador Hayashi paid tribute to Mr Houlihan for his distinguished contribution to enhancing cultural exchange and deepening the relationship between Japan and the UK through Japan House London.
In the presence of stakeholders of JHL as well as his family and friends, Mr Houlihan emphasised his sincere and profound gratitude to those who had supported him in his activities. He also declared how exhilarated to deepen his understanding of Japan’s culture and to strengthen his bonds with its people through his role at JHL. He had no doubt that Japan House would continue to go from strength to strength.
At a celebratory reception after the ceremony, Mr Hara Kenya, the Creative Adviser of JHL, proposed a toast and conveyed his appreciation for Mr Houlihan’s invaluable contribution to fulfilling JHL’s activities.
Mr Houlihan was appointed as the first Director General of Japan House London in June 2016. He worked tirelessly to prepare for the opening of JHL, which took place in 2018. From that time until his retirement in October 2022, he succeeded in developing JHL into a solidly established institution in the heart of London, thereby doing a great deal to promote the appeal of Japan.
Ambassador Hayashi paid tribute to Mr Houlihan for his distinguished contribution to enhancing cultural exchange and deepening the relationship between Japan and the UK through Japan House London.
In the presence of stakeholders of JHL as well as his family and friends, Mr Houlihan emphasised his sincere and profound gratitude to those who had supported him in his activities. He also declared how exhilarated to deepen his understanding of Japan’s culture and to strengthen his bonds with its people through his role at JHL. He had no doubt that Japan House would continue to go from strength to strength.
At a celebratory reception after the ceremony, Mr Hara Kenya, the Creative Adviser of JHL, proposed a toast and conveyed his appreciation for Mr Houlihan’s invaluable contribution to fulfilling JHL’s activities.
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