Description

Chapters are devoted to Sugihara's beginnings, education, diplomatic service, Eastern European odyssey, and adversity and redemption. The book includes stories of selected Sugihara survivors, and an appendix brings readers up to date on the lives of these survivors.

Comments From the Back Cover

"It is a very vital and important book that will help readers understand the underlying values that Sugihara lived by. Little is known about his upbringing and the true meaning of the code of Bushido, that he was instilled with that guided him throughout his life. Sugihara's story should be as well known as that of Oscar Schindler."
Dr. Walburga Von Hoffler-Engel, Vanderbilit University, Emerita

"The gift provides fresh insights about Sugihara's biography and decisions that led to his heroic deeds. Akabori uses the metaphor of gifts and giving to frame the contributions of Chiune Sugihara. In writing this book, Akabori herself provides all of us with a special gift -- a glimmer of the humanity we hope exists in all of us."
David T. Takeuchi, PhD, Dept of Sociology and School of Social Work, Interim Director of Research Institute on Diversity, University of Washington

"Richly detailed and full of compassion, "The Gift" uncovers how one man, through personal conviction and multicultural experience, can alter the course of history. His life challenges the rest of us to see each other as part of a larger family, not bound by nationality or religion. This memoir is a moving tribute to one man's ultimate decision to defy his government and obey his humanity. It is one that should be known and heeded by all."
Naomi Ishisaka, Editor in Chief, Colors NW Magazine

About the Author

Anne attended California State Universities of San Jose and Sacramento majoring in education and library science. She received her teaching credentials from CSU-Sacramento and has taught in the California Public School System for over 20 years.

Anne decided upon an early retirement when she made the decision to help the Sugihara Family to establish a non-profit organization in the USA. The mission of the organization was to perpetuate the legacy of Chiune Sugihara. By using his life as a role model to teach about the importance of altruistic behavior and the ultimate good that can come from acts of kindness and humanitarian intervention, it was the hope of the Foundation to teach about the intrinsic value of such acts of love and kindness.

Anne has collaborated with the Mrs. Yukiko Sugihara and Hiroki Sugihara by translating and rewriting Mrs. Sugihara's best selling memoir, written in Japanese, titled, "Inochi no Visa". The English written version was titled, "Visas for Life". Following that publication, Anne authored and published, "Puppe's Story", the memoir of Hiroki Sugihara, relating about his childhood growing up in Eastern Europe. After the premature death of Hiroki Sugihara at the age of 64, Anne published, "The Legacy of Chiune Sugihara", dedicated to Hiroki Sugihara. Anne also completed "The Gift", a definitive biography of Chiune Sugihara that was initiated at Hiroki Sugihara's request prior to his passing.