A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 30 October 2017

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the Centre for Japanese Studies hosted the three special screenings of the Japanese film “Persona Non Grata” in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre and the Cape Town Holocaust Centre.

The Centre for Japanese Studies, which opened in 2015, seeks to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between South Africa and Japan. By 2017, the Center's programmes had grown to include Japanese language classes as well as a variety of events, including the memorable film showing noted above.

The film, which was shown on this day in October 2017, delves into Chiune Sugihara's intriguing journey. The story followed Sugihara from his childhood in Manchuria to his vital function as Japan's consul in Lithuania during WWII. Sugihara faced a moral quandary among Japan's severe policies, which were now bound by treaties with Nazi Germany. Despite the dangers to his career and family, he demonstrated great bravery by giving transit visas to 2000 persecuted Jews.

The UPA preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. We have a vast photo collection and histories of the various faculties, departments and centres at UP. Or holdings also house an extensive clipping collection.  Please contact us on [email protected] to read this or similar articles in our collection. We welcome photos, documents or any memorabilia relating to UP’s past. To share your memories of Tukkies please contact us on [email protected].