2026 Spring Conferment Ceremony for the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays upon Ms. Ursula Pagels
2026/6/30
On June 23, a Conferment ceremony was held at the Official Residence of the Consul-General for Ms. Ursula Pagels. Ms. Pagels was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to promoting Ikebana in Western Australia, and to strengthening the friendship between Japan and Australia.
In his congratulatory remarks, Consul-General Karimata commended Ms. Pagels for her many contributions over more than 47 years. Such contributions include promoting Sogetsu-style ikebana and training the next generation in Western Australia, introducing Japanese culture through numerous events and workshops such as the Perth Japan Festival, and her floral arrangements for occasions like the Emperor's Birthday receptions at the Consul-General’s Official Residence. He expressed his deep gratitude and respect for her role as a bridge between Japan and Australia, noting that receiving this honor during the milestone year marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia was truly fitting.
Ms. Pagels expressed her deep gratitude and emotion upon receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, and extended her thanks to her students, colleagues, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Perth who have supported her Ikebana activities. She also conveyed her joy and pride in having been able to share Japanese culture with Western Australia through Sogetsu-style ikebana, and spoke of her strong determination to continue contributing to the friendly relations between Japan and Australia.
Ms. Pagels expressed her deep gratitude and emotion upon receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, and extended her thanks to her students, colleagues, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Perth who have supported her Ikebana activities. She also conveyed her joy and pride in having been able to share Japanese culture with Western Australia through Sogetsu-style ikebana, and spoke of her strong determination to continue contributing to the friendly relations between Japan and Australia.
We would like to once again offer our sincere congratulations to Ms. Pagels on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, and wish her continued success and good health.