2026 Spring Conferment of Decoration - President, Washington Toho Koto Society Kyoko Okamoto

On April 29, 2026 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations and Kyoko Okamoto, President of the Washington Toho Koto Society is one of the recipients. In recognition of her contributions towards promoting Japanese culture and fostering mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, she will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

• DECORATION: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
• SERVICE: Contributed to promoting Japanese culture and fostering mutual understanding between Japan and the United States
• NAME: Kyoko Okamoto
• MAJOR TITLE: President, Washington Toho Koto Society
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Maryland (United States of America)

Ms. Kyoko Okamoto founded the “Washington Toho Koto Society” in 1971 and has continued to perform and teach the koto for 55 years since assuming the role of president. In 1972, she established a koto ensemble course as a part of the ethnomusicology program at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she taught for 50 years, instructing more than 5,000 students. The annual recital held on the university campus every April marked its 54th anniversary this year. Through this performance, approximately 26,500 American citizens have had the opportunity to experience the sound of the koto, and its reach and influence are immeasurable. Whenever invited to perform, Ms. Okamoto generously shares her music at various events throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions. Through these activities, she has contributed to fostering grassroots-level friendship and goodwill between Japan and the United States among local communities.