On July 20, President Yano received the Golden Image Award (GIA) from His Excellency George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia.

Currently, the African Development Association, together with the Embassy of Liberia in Tokyo and member companies of the Association, is moving forward with plans to transform Marshall City, a fishing village in Liberia, into a Japan Village.

The GIA was selected for this award in recognition of its leadership in these activities.