Dr. Takashi Hoshizaki to Receive Order of Rising Sun

The 101-year-old will receive the decoration at a ceremony in Los Angeles on October 23, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Awards

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a gold ceremonial ribbon and ray motif on wood, celebrating Japanese heritage and community service. — Dr. Takashi Hoshizaki will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, in Los Angeles on October 23, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should the government formally honor individuals who resisted military service based on their moral convictions?

Dr. Takashi Hoshizaki, a 101-year-old former Heart Mountain incarceree, will be honored with the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. The Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles is hosting a ceremony to recognize his contributions to the Japanese American community on October 23, 2026.

Why it matters

The award acknowledges Hoshizaki's dedication to improving the status of Japanese Americans and his role in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. His recognition serves as a testament to his lifelong advocacy after surviving World War II-era incarceration.

Dr. Hoshizaki spent two years in federal prison for resisting the military draft at the Heart Mountain camp, where 14,000 Japanese Americans were held. The ceremony duration is scheduled for 45 minutes, spanning from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

The players

Dr. Takashi Hoshizaki

He is a 101-year-old community leader and former Japanese American incarceree who serves on the board of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation.

Harry Truman

He served as the President of the United States and issued a pardon for Japanese American draft resisters in 1947.

Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles

This diplomatic mission represents the government of Japan in Southern California and oversees the presentation of imperial decorations.

The details

After resisting the military draft while imprisoned at Heart Mountain, Hoshizaki served time in federal prison before receiving a presidential pardon from President Harry Truman in 1947. He later served in the Korean War and is currently a member of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation Board of Directors.

1942-1945: The period during which Japanese Americans were incarcerated at Heart Mountain.
December 24, 1947: President Harry Truman pardoned Japanese American draft resisters.
October 23, 2026: The Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles will host the conferment ceremony.

Culture Shift

This honor reflects a long-term societal shift in acknowledging the complex history of Japanese Americans during World War II. It highlights the evolution from the wartime treatment of individuals like Dr. Hoshizaki to the formal recognition of their contributions to U.S.-Japan relations.

The event at the Japanese American National Museum provides an opportunity for the public to engage with local history at the Tateuchi Democracy Center. Residents interested in attending or learning about the ceremony can visit the museum to gain further insight into the honoree's legacy.

The takeaway

Dr. Hoshizaki's recognition by the Japanese government emphasizes the importance of reconciling historical grievances to strengthen bilateral ties. His journey serves as a reminder of the perseverance required to overcome state-sanctioned discrimination.