Passing of Mrs. Yukiko Sugihara

As many of you know, perhaps my biggest claim to fame is my 1998 Oscar win for my short film, Visas and Virtue, inspired by the true story of Holocaust rescuer Chiune "Sempo" Sugihara and his wife, Yukiko.  Chiune passed away in 1986, but I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Sugihara in 1998 when former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan hosted a reception honoring her at the Mayor's residence in Hancock Park. She was the most elegant, gracious lady, with the kindest eyes, and having known, studied and worked so diligently at honoring her Humanitarian work, the experience of just being in her presence was the most humbling I have known.

Though most of the Humanitarian honors have been bestowed on her husband – for it was his work that allowed many thousands of Polish Jewish refugees to escape the impending Holocaust in 1940, via his consulate in Lithuania – I have always felt that it was her urging that was a major influence in Mr. Sugihara's decision to risk his career, and his life, and defy his government, and proceed to write transit visas 16 hours a day for three weeks.  When making our film, we made a conscious effort to include her in the story, oftentimes taking dramatic license to do so, as our way of honoring her along side her husband.

She was a Humanitarian, and a warm Human being.

Mrs. Sugihara passed away three days ago, at age 94.

Below is an announcement from Nobuki Sugihara, youngest son of Chiune and Yukiko.

I am grateful to have been a small part of honoring them both.

—CT