Japanese Diplomat Chiune Sugihara Commemorated in London
On April 9, 2014 representatives from the British, Lithuanian, Japanese and Jewish communities gathered at Goldsmiths, University of London, to celebrate the legacy of the Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara.
Serving as a Vice-Consul for the Consulate of Japan in Kaunas, Lithuania, during the Second World War, he granted Japanese transit visas to many Jews who fled their home countries and saved thousands of lives.
The celebration of the legacy of C. Sugihara included a concert of classical music performed by Orphic Trio and commemorative speeches delivered by diplomats and NGO representatives. The music part consisted of pieces by famous composers Bronius Kutavicius, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Toru Takemitsu. It also included traditional Japanese songs sung by Reiko Zaiki, accompanied by Yura Zaiki.
“C. Sugihara is a prime example of a person dedicated to ideals of humanity. Today we gathered to celebrate his legacy that is to celebrate bravery, friendship and compassion. Therefore this evening presents a good opportunity to commemorate all those who risked their lives in saving Jewish compatriots, neighbours and friends. I would like to note that along C. Sugihara there are more than 800 citizens of Lithuania who are recognized as Righteous Amongst the Nations by Yad Vashem in Jerusalem”, the Lithuanian Ambassador Asta Skaisgiryte Liauskiene said.
The evening then followed by a presentation of the Chairman of the Sugihara Foundation, Kaunas, Lithuania, Ramunas Garbaravicius; the insights into the biography and activities of the Japanese diplomat were provided by Akio Miyajima, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Japanese Embassy in the UK, Vivian Wineman, the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and a member of the British-Lithuanian society Alex Faiman.
The event was initiated by the musicians and produced by Yoshie Omata, Goldsmiths, University of London, and Rimantas Vingras, London-based Lithuanian pianist, in collaboration with the London Santara-Sviesa club, the Embassy of Lithuania in the UK, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and supported by the Embassy of Japan in the UK.
