2016 Foreign Minister's Commendation - Mr Takaaki Hanaoka
2016/10/7
On 30 September 2016, Ambassador Koji Tsuruoka bestowed the Foreign Minister’s Commendation upon Mr Takaaki Hanaoka, Secretary General of the JCCI, for his contribution to the promotion of economic relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the UK.
Mr Hanaoka has been Secretary General of the JCCI since 2009 and has done a great deal to help improve the investment environment in the UK by applying both his own business background and his experience of working in the UK for as long as 27 years. During this time he has performed a pivotal role in conveying the concerns of Japanese companies to the British Government. In this regard, the part he played in having the interests of the Japanese business community reflected in the working visa reform package announced by the British Government in March 2016, including the reduction of the annual salary threshold for workers seeking to extend their stay beyond fives was particularly notable. He has also been tireless in supporting the Japanese business community through compiling its members’ opinions and concerns regarding Brexit since the referendum.
Furthermore, he has done much to assist Japanese nationals in this country as Vice-Chairman of the Japan Association in the UK. Meanwhile, he has promoted Japan-UK cultural relations as Vice Chairman of Japan Matsuri Executive Committee.
Expressing his wish to maintain the Embassy’s close cooperation with Mr Hanaoka in further developing Japan-UK relations, Ambassador Tsuruoka congratulated him heartily on being awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
Mr Hanaoka has been Secretary General of the JCCI since 2009 and has done a great deal to help improve the investment environment in the UK by applying both his own business background and his experience of working in the UK for as long as 27 years. During this time he has performed a pivotal role in conveying the concerns of Japanese companies to the British Government. In this regard, the part he played in having the interests of the Japanese business community reflected in the working visa reform package announced by the British Government in March 2016, including the reduction of the annual salary threshold for workers seeking to extend their stay beyond fives was particularly notable. He has also been tireless in supporting the Japanese business community through compiling its members’ opinions and concerns regarding Brexit since the referendum.Furthermore, he has done much to assist Japanese nationals in this country as Vice-Chairman of the Japan Association in the UK. Meanwhile, he has promoted Japan-UK cultural relations as Vice Chairman of Japan Matsuri Executive Committee.
Expressing his wish to maintain the Embassy’s close cooperation with Mr Hanaoka in further developing Japan-UK relations, Ambassador Tsuruoka congratulated him heartily on being awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
The Embassy of Japan