[/floatr]Oregon Live: Portlander honored by Japanese emperor for selfless work
As a boy of 14, Bruce Brenn joined three other young Westerners in Tokyo to help Japan's then crown prince practice English conversation. Imperial Household Agency officials hovered as Elizabeth Vining, the legendary royal tutor, presided at her residence during the informal gatherings. Emperor Hirohito's son, Akihito, was reserved during those post World War II sessions, recalls Brenn, whose father worked at the Allied Powers Supreme Command. This week -- 60 years later -- Japanese officials announced that Emperor Akihito has honored Brenn with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. The prestigious decoration comes not for the Portland resident's continued friendship with the emperor, but for extensive work over the years concerning Japan and the United States..."Golly, I can only think it's a recognition for having spent a lot of time with a lot of wonderful people," said Brenn, 74. "The pleasure has been mine"...Brenn, former vice chairman and chief executive of Nike Japan, began a lecture series and other programs during his years as a Citibank manager in Tokyo. He worked to develop a Japanese-language program in the Portland public schools that evolved into the immersion program at Richmond Elementary School...more...
