PSBA Member Honored by Japan

Long-time PSBA member Tom Brooke has been honored by the government of Japan for his work in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Late last year he was awarded the Imperial Decoration: Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays and will be honored Feb. 9 at private reception at the residence of Japanese Consul General Masahiro Omura in Seattle. The award cited Brooke's significant contributions in introducing Japanese culture in Washington state.

Brooke was a founder of Aki Matsuri, a Japanese cultural festival held at Bellevue College for 20-some years and invited PSBA to participate in the event where the club staged bonsai displays and held workshops to teach the basics of bonsai.  The event became a prime recruiting tool for the club and many current PSBA members were first exposed to bonsai at Aki Matsuri.