News

Lloyd T. Hardin, Jr., a veteran real estate and business attorney with McAfee & Taft, has been named a recipient of the Spring 2021 Japanese Imperial Decorations. The announcement was made by the Government of Japan on April 29, 2021.

Hardin, who has served as Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Oklahoma City since his appointment in 2006, is to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in recognition of his contributions toward promoting mutual understanding and strengthening friendly relations between Japan and the United States over the course of his 15 years of service.

In its official announcement, the Government of Japan noted that in his role as Honorary Consul-General, Hardin has actively promoted people-to-people exchanges through his involvement in the Kyoto-Oklahoma sister state relationship, assisted in the development of sister city arrangements for Tulsa-Utsunomiya, Stillwater-Kameoka, Norman-Seika, and Shawnee-Nikaho, and aided in the reestablishment of the Japan-American Society of Oklahoma and the establishment of the Consular Corps of Oklahoma.

The long-time business lawyer was also credited with contributing to “building strong economic ties between Japan and Oklahoma by providing valuable support to Japanese companies that are active in, or interested in investing in the state.” His work in that area includes ongoing collaborative service on the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team, on the Oklahoma Business Roundtable, and in conjunction with the Japan External Trade Organization.

Hardin’s service as Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Oklahoma City concludes June 24, 2021.

• Government of Japan Official Announcement
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