On November 17 (Mon.) and 18 (Tue.), 2025, the Tokyo Foundation, in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, held the international symposium “Japan and the Jews — Looking at the Past, Present, and Future” at the International Conference Hall in the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Building. We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants and speakers who joined us despite their busy schedules.

Scene from the symposium (Photo: Secretariat)

In her opening remarks, Dr. Mieko Nakabayashi, President of the Tokyo Foundation, outlined the background of the symposium and expressed her gratitude to the speakers and participants who joined from both Japan and abroad.

Following the opening, guest remarks were delivered. Mr. Yohei Onishi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized that amidst ongoing conflicts in various regions, it is crucial for the international community—including Japan—to think and act with a future-oriented mindset to bring peace and stability to the world. Additionally, Rabbi Andrew Scheer, Representative of the Jewish Community of Japan, highlighted the significance and importance of addressing the unique relationship between Japan and the Jewish people.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Meron Medzini, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Asian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, titled “Why Was There No Anti-Semitism in Japan?” Dr. Medzini shared that his interest in Japan began when his father lived here for about a year and a half. He offered a profound analysis of Japan’s approach to the Jewish people from the early 20th century to today. Among the reasons he cited for the absence of anti-Semitism were the small Jewish population, the perception that the Jews posed no threat to Japan’s unity or identity, and the absence of Muslims who might have propagated anti-Israel sentiment. He concluded by expressing his hope that “anti-Semitism will never become a diplomatic tool in Japan.”

Following the keynote lecture, a panel discussion titled “Japan’s Attitude Toward the Jews: the Past, Present, and Future” featured Dr. Kunio Ishida (Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem / Former Director, Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan), Dr. Naoki Maruyama (Professor Emeritus, Meiji Gakuin University), Dr. Nissim Otmazgin (Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Hebrew University of Jerusalem), and Ambassador Yusuke Arai (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the State of Israel). The discussion explored Japan’s acceptance of Jewish refugees during 1938–40, its responses in places like Shanghai, and why Japan maintained fairness and humanitarian principles despite strong pressure from Nazi Germany. The panel emphasized the importance of the 1938 policy known as the “Grand Doctrine for Jewish Issue,” which was Japan’s official commitment to prohibit discrimination against the Jewish people.

On the second day, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation, the Tokyo Foundation, as well as the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, delivered welcome remarks in which he highlighted the importance of examining the relationship between Japan and the Jewish people from a historical perspective. The second day built on the previous discussions and centered on “Japan and the Jews — Exploring the Realities of Their Relationship”.

Presentations were given by Ambassador Ryuta Mizuuchi (Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Austria and the Republic of Kosovo), Dr. Ryuichi Higuchi (Professor Emeritus of Musicology, Meiji Gakuin University), and Dr. Robert D. Eldridge (Senior Fellow, the Japan Institute of International Affairs), followed by a reading of remarks prepared by Mr. Masaaki Shiraishi (Official, Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan), who was unable to attend. Participants listened closely to accounts of Japanese figures who shaped relations with Jewish communities, including Kiichiro Higuchi, a pioneer of Japan’s Jewish policy, and Chiune Sugihara, celebrated for issuing the “Visas for Life.”

In the latter half, Dr. Pamela Rotner Sakamoto (Historian / Faculty Member of Punahou School) offered an American perspective on the “Visas for Life” followed by Dr. Kunio Ishida, who highlighted the lesser-known contributions of Dr. Setsuzo Kotsuji in Kobe and Navy Captain Koreshige Inuzuka in Shanghai. Then, Dr. Edward N. Luttwak (Historian / Strategic Advisor to the US Government) explored how Japan can strategically build on the legacies of Kiichiro Higuchi and Chiune Sugihara in the years ahead.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Atsushi Sunami, President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (co-host), reiterated the significance of the symposium. He also expressed his strong commitment to collaborating even more closely with our Foundation going forward.

The symposium highlighted that the absence of anti-Semitism in Japan was not a matter of chance, but deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, as well as in Japan’s values and worldview. It also offered a rare opportunity to reflect on fundamental questions such as “What is humanity?” and “What is fairness?”

Participants described the event as “an invaluable opportunity to explore what a truly inclusive and harmonious society should look like in the future.”
 

The Tokyo Foundation is dedicated to advancing research that addresses Japan’s most pressing social challenges amid a rapidly declining population. We believe that understanding and learning from historical experiences is essential to developing effective, sustainable solutions. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with government agencies and research institutions internationally. We deeply appreciate your continued support to build a more resilient future.

Speakers (Photo: Secretariat)

Click here for the program and other details:
https://cp-entry.com/tkfd202511/en/