On November 9, 2010, four months before the devastating earthquake in Japan, Yoji Sugiyama, a member of the Fujisawa Japan Stake, received an intermediate class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure for his meritorious service to his country.
As a member of the Foreign Ministry for years, Brother Sugiyama was heavily involved in negotiating treaties and serving as an envoy for Japan.
Brother Sugiyama recognizes that the Lord provides all of us with opportunities to do good in our own spheres. He said, "The Lord sometimes gives us difficulties so we can find our needs. Without those necessities and the opportunity to find good solutions, men make no progress and bring no happiness into this world."