July 17, 2020

120th anniversary of Chiune Sugihara's birth ･ 80th anniversary of Visas for Life

Another Visas-for-Life Diplomat: Polish Ambassador Tadeusz Romer
Polish Ambassador to Japan Tadeusz Romer and Jewish War Refugees in the Far Eastt

The Chiune Sugihara Sempo Museum wishes to announce a special exhibition in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Chiune Sugihara's birth and the 80th anniversary of his issuance of the life-saving visas.

Nearly all of the Sugihara visa recipients who arrived in Japan in 1940 were Jewish refugees from German Nazi-occupied Poland, many penniless and lacking proper documentation. They were given crucial aid by Polish Ambassador Tadeusz Romer, who worked tirelessly and selflessly to ensure they reached freedom. Up to 1,000 Jews are estimated to have made it to their final destinations safely thanks to the ambassador's determined efforts. Romer's actions were critical in ensuring that Sugihara's bold visa issuance in Lithuania was not in vain.

The exhibition will offer panels and videos examining the far-too-little-known story of Romer's courageous activities on behalf of his countrymen. Dr Olga Barbasiewicz, one of the exhibition's organizers, has created a special video message for the occasion. Details are as follows.

* Note that measures have been put into place to ensure your safety during the coronavirus epidemic. We ask your cooperation and understanding.

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Exhibition:	120th anniversary of Chiune Sugihara’s birth ･ 80th anniversary of Visas for Life Another Visas-for-Life Diplomat: Polish Ambassador Tadeusz Romer
Date :	July 31 (Fri) – August 30 (Sun)
Time :	11:00am to 5:00pm, Wednesday-Sunday (July 31 only : 1:00-5:00pm)
Organizers :	Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo, Chiune Sugihara Sempo Museum
Support :	Polish Cultural Institute in Tokyo
Curator :	Dr Olga Barbasiewicz
Location :	Chiune Sugihara Sempo Museum 2F Sagami Bldg, 2-7-9 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL :	03-6265-1808