Eimi Watanabe: Sadako Ogata, RIP

Credit: NY Times

After the International Women’s Year (1975), the Japanese government realized that it is hugely embarrassing that Japan had so few women diplomats (as well as other highly placed officials), and decided to appoint women from the private sector as senior diplomats.  

Mrs Ogata, who was then a Professor of International Affairs at Sophia University, was thus asked to represent Japan, and became the Minister in Japan’s Mission to the UN in 1976.  In that capacity, she became active in UNICEF’s Executive Board, and was selected as the Chair of the Board for 1978/1979, which included the important session for the International Year of the Child.   

Jim Grant was extremely impressed with her effectiveness and commitment to UN goals, and even after her term as ExBd chair ended, continued to seek her advice and help on many issues, especially on UNICEF’s relations in Japan.  Jim used to call her UNICEF’s  “Fairy Godmother”.   

Mrs. Ogata was instrumental also in recruiting Japanese actress Tetsuko Kuroyanagi as UNICEF’s goodwill ambassador,  who has been a very effective advocate and fundraiser since her appointment in 1984 up to this day.  A great humanitarian,  

I believe Mrs Ogata continued to have a soft spot in her heart for UNICEF.  

Best,

Eimi