SACRED LEGACY ARCHIVES™

Ryōichi Sasakawa

1899-05-04 – 1995-07-18

Ryōichi SasakawaCredit: Pnuao

Life & Legacy

Ryōichi Sasakawa (笹川良一, Sasakawa Ryōichi; May 4, 1899 – July 18, 1995) was a Japanese businessman, far-right politician, suspected class A war criminal, and philanthropist.
In the 1930s and during the Second World War, he was active both in finance and in politics, actively supporting the Japanese war effort. He served in the House of Representatives from 1942 to 1945. After Japan's defeat he was accused of war crimes and imprisoned for a time. After his release, he found financial success in various business ventures, including motorboat-racing gambling events (Kyōtei) and ship building. He supported anti-communist activities, including the World Anti-Communist League. In 1962 he founded the Nippon Foundation and became its first chairman. The foundation has done charitable work around the world, for which it and Sasakawa have received many official honors.

Occupation & Career

politician, businessperson, war criminal, industrialist, philanthropist, entrepreneur

Education

Ibaraki City Toyokawa Elementary School

Accomplishments, Inventions & Publications

Order of the Rising Sun, 1st class; United Nations Peace Medal; Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres‎; Order of Diplomatic Service Merit; Order of Brilliant Star; Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st Class; Order of the Golden Heart; Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the White Elephant

Legacy Highlights

Honors & Awards

Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres‎ · Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the White Elephant · Order of Brilliant Star · Order of Diplomatic Service Merit · Order of the Golden Heart · Order of the Rising Sun, 1st class · Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st Class · United Nations Peace Medal