Description:
(Diplomat)
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese government official who had served as the vice consul for Japan in Kaunas, Lithuania. He was the first Japanese diplomat in Lithuania. During World War II, Sugihara had assisted thousands of Jewish refugees to escape the German-occupied Western Poland and the Soviet-occupied Eastern Poland, by providing them visas for transit through Japan. He thus risked his life and job. Some Lithuanian citizens were also among those who got the transit visas. The refugees called him “Shempo.” He was awarded the honor of the ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ by Israel, for his work, and is still the only Japanese to have received the honor. Following the war, he retired to Japan. He then worked in Russia for a considerable time, before his death in 1986.
Birthday
January 1, 1900 (Capricorn)
Born In
Japan
Died on
July 31, 1986
Spouse/Ex-
Yukiko Kikuchi (m. 1936), Klaudia Apollonova (m. 1919–1935)
Parents
Yoshimi Sugihara
Yatsu Sugihara
Children
Chiaki Sugihara, Hiroki Sugihara, Nobuki Sugihara
Why is Chiune Sugihara considered a hero?
Chiune Sugihara is considered a hero for his courageous actions during World War II, when he defied his government's orders and issued visas to thousands of Jewish refugees, saving their lives.
How many visas did Chiune Sugihara issue during World War II?
Chiune Sugihara issued thousands of visas to Jewish refugees during World War II, saving an estimated 6,000 lives.
What impact did Chiune Sugihara's actions have?
Chiune Sugihara's actions saved the lives of thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II. His bravery and compassion have been recognized worldwide.
How did Chiune Sugihara's actions during World War II come to light?
Chiune Sugihara's actions during World War II came to light after the war when survivors and historians began to uncover and share his story of issuing visas to Jewish refugees in Lithuania.
