CYPRESS, Calif. (June 24, 2014) — Japan America Society of Southern California (JASSC) presented its International Citizens Award June 23 to Tomo Mizutani, president of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. and former president of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.
The JASSC was founded in 1909 to build economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between the people of Japan and America. The International Citizens Award honors individuals, businesses or organizations that have substantively and significantly enhanced the Japan-U.S. relationship and are committed to the strengthening of bonds between the two nations.
“It is an honor to have been recognized not just for the work that we have done to grow a Japanese business in America,” said Mr. Mizutani, “but also for the outreach that we have done with the Japanese-American community.”
During Mr. Mizutani's tenure as Nitto president, he increased the company's revenue three-fold while also doubling the number of tires sold by positioning Nitto as an original and creative force in the automotive industry, according to the tire company.
Nitto has supported organizations like the JASSC as well as the Japanese American National Museum, where it has sponsored a multi-language digital docent app that allows tourists from all over the world to explore the museum when actual docents aren't available.
Under Mr. Mizutani's guidance, Nitto also has created an award-winning video series that highlights influential Japanese-Americans, such as Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, former NFL player Scott Fujita, and non-Japanese-Americans who have contributed significantly to the community, the company said.
