The Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) organized a 'Sugihara Chiune¹⁾ Memorial Hall Tour' on July 3, 2024, targeting university students and faculty members. The purpose of this tour was to explore Yaotsu Town and learn the life and legacy of Chiune Sugihara. A total of 17 participants, including 13 students and 4 faculty members, joined the tour.
Located in Yaotsu Town, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture, the Memorial Hall showcases a wealth of documents pertaining to Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat from Yatotsu Town, who served as vice-consul for the Japanese Empire in Kaunas, Lithuania. Sugihara is celebrated for his courageous act of issuing 'Visas for Life' to Jewish people during World War II.
Upon arrival, Mr. YAMADA Kazumi, the former director and current guide of the Memorial Hall introduced the 'Hill of Humanity Park' and the 'Visa for Life Monument.' Following a cordial welcome address by Director YAMADA Toshiyuki at the Memorial Hall, Mr. Kazumi presented the history behind the "Visa for Life." His presentation covered the global situations during Sugihara's tenure in Lithuania, the plight of Jewish refugees, and the life and diplomatic achievements of Sugihara. Notably, Mr. Kazumi passionately recounted how Sugihara defied the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' orders, which stated that visas should not be issued to those who did not meet the issuance requirements. In a humanitarian act of defiance, Sugihara granted visas to Jews facing imminent danger of life. Mr. Kazumi also highlighted the enduring humanitarian spirit inspired by Sugihara, which continues to resonate with those committed to saving lives. At the end of the lecture, the participants had the opportunity to view a precious replica of the 'Visa for Life.' After the lecture, they embarked on a tour of the Hall, observed a number of evocative exhibits, and shared their insights and reflections on their visit.
GU-GLOCAL will continue to conduct activities that foster international understanding among students and faculty members.
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1) SUGIHARA Chiune (1900－1986) was a Japanese diplomat who was born in Gifu and served as vice-consul for the Japanese Empire in Kaunas, Lithuania. During the Second World War, Sugihara helped thousands of Jews flee Europe by issuing transit visas to them so that they could travel through Japanese territory, risking his job and the lives of his family.
Sugihara Chiune Memorial Hall
The Hill of Humanity Park
Mr. Yamada Kazumi making his presentation
