Senate Resolution No. 2471

BY: Senator MAYER

HONORING Koji Sato in recognition of his work to
achieve recognition of Fred Korematsu's life and
work, and for his work to promote knowledge of
Japanese and Japanese-American history and culture,
and to foster a strong US-Japan relationship

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
profound impact of those exemplary organizations and individuals within
the great State of New York which proactively work for the empowerment
of cultural communities, and the importance of such work which benefits
all citizens of this State, and indeed, all citizens of the Nation,
should be rightfully commended; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Koji Sato in recognition of his work to achieve recognition of Fred
Korematsu's life and work, and for his work to promote knowledge of
Japanese and Japanese-American history and culture, and to foster a
strong US-Japan relationship; and

WHEREAS, Koji Sato is a leader in the Japanese American community in
New York, currently serving as President of the Japanese American
Association of New York, Inc. (JAA) and Council Leader of the U.S.-Japan
Council; and

WHEREAS, JAA was founded in 1907, and has a 117-year history of
serving the Japanese and Japanese American community in the tri-state
area through its bilingual social services, educational programs and
community outreach; U.S.-Japan Council is a non-profit organization that
works to connect global leaders to create a stronger U.S.-Japan
relationship; and

WHEREAS, In addition to these roles, Koji Sato is a Co-Chair of the
Asian American Advisory Board of Westchester County, New York, and
serves on the Board of Governors of the Japanese American National
Museum in Los Angeles; and

WHEREAS, Professionally, Koji Sato is Senior Vice President and
General Counsel of Orient Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Orient
Chemical Industries, Co., Ltd. based in Osaka, Japan; and

WHEREAS, Prior to joining Orient, Koji Sato was an attorney at the
law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP in New York City; he is admitted to
practice law in New York and Connecticut and holds a J.D. from New York
Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University; and

WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts
of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life
for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Koji Sato in recognition of his work to achieve recognition of

Fred Korematsu's life and work, and for his work to promote knowledge of
Japanese and Japanese-American history and culture, and to foster a
strong US-Japan relationship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Koji Sato.