Mr Wataru Kuwahara honoured by The Queen
In recognition of his service to the promotion of British culture and lifestyle and the export of British consumer goods through the Hankyu British Fair, Sue Kinoshita, the British Charge d’Affaires, conducted a presentation ceremony for Mr Wataru Kuwahara at the British Embassy Tokyo on 12 December.
For fourteen years Mr Kuwahara led organisation of the Hankyu British Fair, introducing many new British companies and products to Japanese consumers over this time and steadily increasing the Fair’s status and sales of British consumer goods. Through the Fair, many Japanese consumers have grown to love British products and culture and have had a chance to experience both modern and traditional Britain.
Mr Kuwahara’s passionate advocacy of the British lifestyle and its diversity, including the incorporation of guest speakers and performances into the Fair and use of social media, expanded its reach, attracting visitors from across Japan and led to the creation of a second annual Fair in Fukuoka.