Chiune Sugihara Quotes
- Diplomat
- Japan
- 1900 - 1986
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat who served as Vice-Consul for the Empire of Japan in Lithuania during World War II. He is best known for his courageous actions in issuing thousands of visas to Jewish refugees, against the orders of his government, allowing them to escape the Holocaust. This…Read More
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat who served as Vice-Consul for the Empire of Japan in Lithuania during World War II. He is best known for his courageous actions in issuing thousands of visas to Jewish refugees, against the orders of his government, allowing them to escape the Holocaust. This act of defiance ultimately cost him his career and reputation in Japan, but earned him the title of “Japanese Schindler.” Sugihara’s actions saved the lives of an estimated 6,000 Jews. He was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Sugihara’s story has been immortalized in books, films, and documentaries, and he continues to be remembered as a hero and symbol of compassion and humanity.Read Less
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat who served as Vice-Consul for the Empire of Japan in Lithuania during World War II. He is best known for his courageous actions in issuing thousands of visas to Jewish refugees, against the orders of his government, allowing them to escape the Holocaust. This act of defiance ultimately cost him his career and reputation in Japan, but earned him the title of “Japanese Schindler.” Sugihara’s actions saved the lives of an estimated 6,000 Jews. He was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Sugihara’s story has been immortalized in books, films, and documentaries, and he continues to be remembered as a hero and symbol of compassion and humanity.
Chiune Sugihara Career Highlights
- In 1918, Sugihara passed the entrance exam for the prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo, where he studied English and Russian.
- In 1922, he joined the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was assigned to various diplomatic posts in China, Manchuria, and the Soviet Union.
- In 1939, Sugihara was appointed as the Vice-Consul of the Japanese Consulate in Kaunas, Lithuania.
- In 1940, he was ordered by the Japanese government to close the consulate and leave Lithuania, but he defied the orders and stayed to help Jewish refugees.
- Despite facing pressure from his superiors and risking his career, Sugihara issued thousands of transit visas to Jewish refugees, allowing them to escape to Japan and other countries.
- After the war, Sugihara was forced to resign from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and struggled to find employment due to his disobedience during the war.
- In 1985, Sugihara was recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations” by the Israeli government for his courageous actions during the war.
- In 1986, he was also honored by the Japanese government with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, one of the country’s highest honors.
Key Contributions by Chiune Sugihara
- Sugihara’s most significant contribution was his issuance of transit visas to Jewish refugees, which allowed them to escape persecution and certain death.
- He worked tirelessly, often staying up all night, to process and issue as many visas as possible.
- Sugihara also collaborated with other diplomats, including Dutch consul Jan Zwartendijk, to help refugees obtain necessary documents and transportation.
- He showed immense compassion and empathy towards the refugees, often using his own money to help them and even writing letters of recommendation to help them find employment in Japan.
What Sets Chiune Sugihara Apart
- Sugihara’s actions were in direct defiance of his government’s orders, showing his strong moral compass and willingness to risk his career for the greater good.
- He continued to help refugees even after his consulate was closed, using his connections and influence to issue visas from his hotel room.
- Sugihara’s actions were not widely known until decades later, as he did not seek recognition or praise for his actions.
- He is one of the few Japanese diplomats who actively helped Jewish refugees during the war, despite the country’s alliance with Nazi Germany.
Takeaways
- Chiune Sugihara’s story is a testament to the power of individual actions and the impact one person can have in the face of great adversity.
- His bravery and compassion serve as an inspiration for standing up against injustice and helping those in need.
- Sugihara’s legacy continues to be honored through various memorials and events, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.