The Japanese government recently honoured three New Zealanders for their distinguished service and contribution to the promotion of economic and trade relationship between Japan and New Zealand.
Among them was Masa Sekikawa, Chairman of the Japanese Society of Auckland Inc and a Member of the Asian Advisory Board of the Auckland City District Police.
The other recipients were Stephen Duxfield, Chairman of the New Zealand Japan Society and Brian Martin, Chairman of Japan New Zealand Business Council.
Japan’s Auckland based Consul General Kazutoshi Inadome presented the awards (on behalf of Kochichiro Gemba, Japan’s Foreign Minister) at a ceremony held at his residence on December 7, 2012, marking the 79th birthday of Japanese Emperor Akihito.
As a founder of the Japanese Society of Auckland, and as a founder-director of World TV, Mr Sekikawa has been interacting closely with businesses and communities in both countries for almost 25 years.
The television company also caters to the Asia media including 12 channels of Sky TV, two nationwide Freeview channels and two radio stations in Auckland.
Its programmes reach Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and mainland Chinese communities.
Mr Sekikawa owns the ‘Bliss Japanese Stone Spa’ at Crowne Plaza in Auckland.
“I am honoured as the Award commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand,” he said.
Mr Duxfield said, “It was a great privilege to accept the Award on behalf of our Society and its members.”
