Conferment Ceremony of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays on aikidoka Mr. Daniel Leclerre

On June 21, the Conferment Ceremony of of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays on Mr. Daniel Leclerre, aikido master, was held at the official residence of Ambassador Ishii. Ambassador Ishii expressed his gratitude to Mr. Leclerre for his contributions to the cultural exchange and the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Belgium through aikido. The ceremony was celebrated in the company of his family and friends. Mr. Leclerre started aikido at the age of 14 and became an instructor when he was 21. He is currently the only person in Belgium to hold 7 dan and as a licensed instructor of aikido; he is occupied with the training of his students at his own dojo. Over 100 of his students are already in possession of a black belt. He has held various posts at the aikido association and has contributed to the spread and the development of aikido in both Belgium and Europe. In addition, Mr. Leclerre proactively invites instructors from Japan, maintaining close relations with Japanese aikido masters. He has undertaken great efforts in order to deepen understanding of this traditional Japanese art and the spirit of the Japanese culture.