Miami, Florida -
On Wednesday, March 31, legendary golfer Mr. Jack Nicklaus will receive Japan's Foreign Minister's Commendation in Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Relationship presented by Consul General Ko Kodaira along with five other prominent Florida recipients. The Minister's Award is conferred upon individuals or groups that have rendered especially distinguished service in strengthening the relationship between Japan and other countries. These individuals have contributed greatly to increased cultural understanding and friendship between Florida and Japan. The recipients are being specially honored this year during the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Peace and Amity Treaty that marked the beginning of formal relations between the United States and Japan.

Jack Nicklaus, winner of 100 professional golf tournaments around the world including a record 20 major championships, has inspired Japanese people for decades and is one of the most famous and respected American golfers in Japan. As a result of his playing and opening of golf centers in Japan, he has helped stimulate the golf market. He has designed more golf courses in Japan than any other country outside of the U.S. He is well known for his sportsmanship and is admired by many Japanese golfers. Through golf, he promotes friendship and business ties between the United States and Japan.

Mr. Nicklaus, who will be unable to attend the award's ceremony due to business commitments, has released the following statement: "I am very honored to receive this award today. I have been traveling to Japan for over 30 years and have created many business relationships as well as personal relationships with the people of Japan. I am very loyal to my friendships and business relationships in Japan and have promoted Japan around the world. One great example of that is my 35-year relationship with Kosugi Sangyo of which I am very proud. I have also enjoyed designing many golf courses for the people of Japan. Japan is a very big part of my career and continues to hold a special place in my heart today."

Additional award recipients are: Dr. Steven Heine, Professor and Director of the Institute of Asian Studies at Florida International University; Mr. Yoichi Kobayashi, former President of Komatsu Latin America; Ms. Mieko Kubota, Japanese Language Teacher and Culture Expert; Ms. Chieko Mihori, Director of the Sogetsu Ikebana Florida Branch; and Mr. Dennis Murasaki, Board Member of the Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board.