Sugihara Visas Day

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Today, we honor Chiune Sugihara for saving thousands of Jewish lives during World War II.

On July 29, 1940, Sugihara began issuing transit visas, which came to be known as "Visas for Life"; these visas allowed Jewish families to pass through Japan and seek refuge in other countries.

In 2021, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the American Jewish Committee-Los Angeles, and JACCC co-sponsored a virtual program supported by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, commemorating July 29 as Sugihara Visas Day, designated by the California Legislature to memorialize Chiune Sugihara's outstanding achievements in saving thousands of Jewish lives during World War II.