Kinmon Gakuen Board Chair Shinichi Seino Selected for the 2026 Foreign Minister’s Commendation

Kinmon Gakuen is pleased to announce that Shinichi Seino, Chair of the Board of Kinmon Gakuen, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Foreign Minister’s Commendation.

On September 24, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the recipients of this year’s commendations. Three individuals from the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco were selected: Shinichi Seino, Chair of the Board of Kinmon Gakuen; Kozo Kimura, former Board President of San Mateo Nippon Gakuen; and John Tateishi, former National Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL).

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.

Chair Seino has dedicated many years to the operation and development of Kinmon Gakuen and to preserving and promoting Japanese language and culture in San Francisco. He has also served the broader Japanese American community through leadership roles including President of the Japantown Merchants Association and Co-Chair of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.

Read the announcement from the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco:

2026 Foreign Minister’s Commendationhttps://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/26_0924b.html

BaySpo recently featured the three Northern California recipients of the 2026 Foreign Minister’s Commendation.

Read the article here:

BaySpo — Three Northern California Leaders Selected for Foreign Minister’s Commendationhttps://bayspo.com/news/local09242026

Everyone at Kinmon Gakuen extends our warmest congratulations to Chair Seino on this distinguished recognition.