By Roy Lie A Tjam.
It was at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan, onTuesday 5 July, 2017.
When “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” was confirmed on Mr. Jan Hendrik Odinot. Mr. Hiroshi Nomura welcomed the guests and subsequently invited H.E. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to deliver his address. 
Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata noted “I feel honored to host this conferment ceremony of the Japanese decoration “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Mr. Odinot.
This decoration is conferred in the name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on Mr. Odinot’s contribution for introducing Japanese culture and promoting understanding of Japan in the Netherlands through budō, Japanese martial arts. I would like to share some of the many highlights in his career that have led to this celebratory moment.”
“After studying English and French, and about ten years in the banking world, Mr. Odinot made a life-changing decision. He decided to leave his job and dedicate himself to practicing and teaching jūdō, which he deemed more socially rewarding. I guess you could say that at this point a hobby turned into a true calling. As Mr. Odinot has expressed it himself: “It is worth it to fully dedicate oneself to studying”.
Mr. Odinot taught jūdō, kendō, and self-defence to a variety of students; from children to adults, from prison personnel to the police officers. Mr. Jan Hendrik Odinot, for more than fifty years you have made invaluable efforts to advance budō in the Netherlands.
The Government of Japan recognizes and is deeply grateful for your tremendous contribution to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the Netherlands by means of budō. Now the time has come to honor you, Mr. Odinot, in the Name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, with “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold, and Silver.”
Mr. Aad van de Wijngaart, vice-chairman of the Dutch Kendo Federation (NKR) also addressed Mr.Odinot, he praised Hein Odinot’s humanity.
Mr. Hein Odinot commenced his acceptance speech by stating how nervous he was. He said, I have never had problems delivering a speech but today I do. Mr. Jan Hendrik Odinot expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and to all those who made it all happen.
Mr. Hiroshi Nomura closed the ceremony.
