NU'UANU — One of Hawai'i's own has been recognized by the Japanese government for his work in forging strong ties of respect and friendship between the United States and Japan.

With his chin held high, Kenneth Saiki, vice president of communications at Bank of America Honolulu, looked straight ahead as Japan Consul General Shigeo Iwatani pinned the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, on his chest.

The award, established in Japan in 1875 by then-Emperor Meiji, is Japan's premier award and is presented as a medallion with rays of sunlight radiating from a rising sun. A chrysanthemum is attached to the medallion.

"I feel like a celebrity," the 65-year-old Saiki said. "Every day since the announcement was made last month, I have been getting phone calls, telegrams, e-mails — every form of communication — of congratulations. It's a big thing in Japan."

This year, 38 non-Japanese citizens have been granted the Order of the Rising Sun, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Last month, the Japanese government awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, to Hawai'i resident Katsugo Miho, a retired judge and former Hawai'i state legislator.

Saiki was recognized for his work as the former president of the United Japanese Society of Hawai'i, and his membership in the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjinkai, Hawai'i Ehime Maru Association, and the Hawai'i Meiji Kai. In 2001, after the deaths of nine Japanese fishermen in a collision between a U.S. Navy submarine and the Japanese fisheries training vessel Ehime Maru, Saiki went to Ehime Prefecture with others from Hawai'i to give their condolences and a check for $160,000 raised here.

Saiki also leads a group of residents who weekly clean and maintain the Ehime Maru Memorial at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.

In addition to his community service, Saiki served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserves and retired as a captain.

"It's the little things like this that I'm being recognized for," said Saiki at the U.S. Consulate-General of Japan's office on Nu'uanu Avenue. "Really, it's because of everyone's help that I'm getting recognized. You can say 'charge,' but if no one's there to follow you, then you don't get anywhere."

In giving the award last week, Iwatani said that Saiki has worked tirelessly to promote good relations between the United States and Japan.

"Mr. Saiki appreciates his Japanese heritage and helps spur his association members to trace their heritage to Hiroshima," Iwatani said. "The government of Japan hopes that Mr. Saiki will continue to lend his focus to enhance the U.S./Japan relationship."

After receiving his award, Saiki said: "This is among ... my greatest achievements in my life. I will accept this on behalf of all those who have helped me."

Ben Fukumoto, a friend of Saiki's, said he was honored to be among the small group of guests to witness the pinning of the award at the consulate.

"I know how he feels right now," Fukumoto said. "I received a similar award, but mine was for economic development. The key is our parents who worked to instill in us the values of our heritage."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.