Yōhei Sasakawa | Today's AI Wiki

1. Overview

Yohei Sasakawa (笹川陽平_{Sasakawa Yōhei}^Japanese) is a prominent Japanese social entrepreneur and philanthropist, widely recognized for his leadership as Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, one of Japan's largest charitable organizations. He also serves as the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and Japan's Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by Leprosy. His extensive career encompasses a broad range of activities in international aid, human rights advocacy, maritime affairs, and social welfare, often characterized by his strategic planning and collaborative approach. Sasakawa's work has focused on addressing critical global issues such as healthcare access, education, food security, and disaster relief, while also engaging in domestic social contributions within Japan. His efforts have garnered numerous international accolades, though his association with the controversial boat racing industry and his diplomatic engagements in complex political environments like Myanmar have also drawn scrutiny.

2. Early Life and Background

Yohei Sasakawa's formative years were shaped by significant family influences, including his father, Ryōichi Sasakawa, and the turbulent period of World War II. These experiences provided a foundation for his later career in philanthropy and social activism.

2.1. Birth and Family

Yohei Sasakawa was born on 8 January 1939, as the third son of Ryōichi Sasakawa, a notable Japanese businessman, politician, and philanthropist. Ryōichi Sasakawa was also the founder and first chairman of the Japan Motorboat Racing Association. Yohei has an older brother, Sasakawa Takashi, who served as a Liberal Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives. His nephew, Sasakawa Hiroshi, is also a politician. Yohei Sasakawa has four sons: Takao (born November 23, 1972), Junpei (born February 28, 1975), Kohei (born August 17, 1976), and Shohei (born September 2, 1980).

2.2. Education and Early Influences

Sasakawa graduated from Meiji University's School of Political Science and Economics. His education was significantly influenced by his father, Ryōichi, whose philosophy was that "academic study is not necessary; I will teach you social studies." During his youth, the Sasakawa household in Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, was bustling with guests and lodgers, earning it the nickname "Sasakawa Ryokan" (Sasakawa Inn). Yohei was subjected to a strict upbringing, starting his day with chores like cleaning, laundry, and shoe polishing before school. After returning home at 4 PM, he would assist with shopping, cooking, and cleaning until late at night. Despite the demanding environment, Sasakawa regards his father as not only a parent but also a lifelong mentor, stating he never rebelled against him.

2.3. Personal Experiences

A significant personal experience for Sasakawa was his survival during the Tokyo Air Raid on March 10, 1945. At six years old, he was living in Asakusa Kotobuki-cho with his mother. While most residents fled towards the Sumida River, where many perished, Sasakawa and his mother, due to his mother's poor swimming ability, took a different route. This decision miraculously saved them, while most of their neighbors died. This harrowing experience during the war profoundly impacted him.

3. Career and Leadership

Sasakawa's career has been defined by his strategic leadership and extensive influence across various organizations, particularly at The Nippon Foundation.

3.1. Leadership at The Nippon Foundation

After serving as chairman of the Japan Motorboat Racing Association (now the Japan Motorboat Racing Organization) and as a director of the Japan Foundation for Shipbuilding Advancement (now the Ocean Policy Research Foundation), Yohei Sasakawa was appointed President of The Nippon Foundation in 1989. In July 2005, he assumed the role of Chairman, succeeding Ayako Sono. Under his leadership, The Nippon Foundation, which derives a significant portion of its funding from the revenue of the boat racing industry, has become Japan's largest charitable foundation. Sasakawa is known for his hands-on approach, actively participating in the front lines of public service activities and building extensive networks across political, governmental, academic, and private sectors globally. He emphasizes planning and leadership in his projects, aiming for collaborative solutions to modern problems. He also champions transparency in public interest groups, maintaining a daily blog of his activities and thoughts, and has advocated for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

3.2. Other Key Roles

Beyond his primary role at The Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa holds several other significant positions:

World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination**: Appointed in May 2001, a role he has held since.
Japan's Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by Leprosy**: Appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 2007.
Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar**: Appointed in 2013 and continues to serve in this capacity.
Goodwill Ambassador for the Welfare of the National Races in Myanmar**: Appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 2012.

He also serves as a Trustee for several international foundations, including the Foundation Franco-Japonaise Sasakawa, the United States-Japan Foundation, the Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation, and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. Additionally, he is an Advisor to The Tokyo Foundation and The Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund.

4. Major Activities and Contributions

Sasakawa's work spans numerous sectors, characterized by significant initiatives and a commitment to addressing global and domestic challenges.

4.1. Leprosy Elimination and Human Rights Advocacy

Sasakawa has dedicated his life to the global eradication of leprosy and the fight against discrimination faced by those affected by the disease, a mission he considers deeply personal.

4.1.1. Personal Mission and Father's Legacy

His commitment to leprosy elimination is a personal mission, inherited from his father, Ryōichi Sasakawa. His journey began in 1965 when he accompanied his father to a leprosy treatment facility in South Korea. The experience of witnessing firsthand the severe discrimination faced by people affected by leprosy profoundly shocked him and convinced him of the urgent need for leprosy control and advocacy. Since then, he has strived to promote accurate understanding of the disease, particularly emphasizing that it is curable.

4.1.2. International Efforts and UN Engagement

As the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination since May 2001, Sasakawa has been instrumental in global campaigns. In the 1990s, he tirelessly promoted the distribution of multidrug therapy (MDT), which significantly contributed to reducing the global leprosy patient count. Recognizing that discrimination against people affected by leprosy persists even after cure, impacting their employment and children's education, he advocated for leprosy to be addressed not merely as a medical issue but as a social and human rights concern.

In July 2003, he visited the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to request that the issue be taken up by the United Nations Human Rights Committee (now the United Nations Human Rights Council). He raised the matter at a plenary session of the Commission in March 2004, leading the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights to initiate formal studies in August 2004. This culminated in the unanimous approval of a resolution in August 2005 and August 2006, calling on national governments, leprosy organizations, and UN institutions to improve the situation. Building on this, in 2008, the Japanese government, with the support of 58 co-sponsoring nations, submitted a draft resolution on "elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members" to the UN Human Rights Council, which was unanimously adopted. This resolution was subsequently adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. Sasakawa has also launched the Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy, with the 13th appeal launched in New Delhi in 2018, endorsed by Disabled Peoples' International. In 2016, he jointly organized an International Symposium on Leprosy and Human Rights in the Vatican with the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers and the Good Samaritan Foundation, which adopted conclusions and recommendations to end stigma.

4.1.4. Foundations and Support Programs

To further his mission, Sasakawa established the Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation in New Delhi in 2006 (or 2007) to assist the independence of people affected by the disease and their families. The foundation also actively seeks donations from the Indian business community. In 2009, he launched the ASEAN Secretariat - The Nippon Foundation Project on Leprosy and Human Dignity. In 2010, schools of prosthetics and orthotics were established in Indonesia and the Philippines as part of his efforts.

4.2. Maritime Affairs and Ocean Policy

Sasakawa has been a significant figure in addressing global maritime issues, advocating for safety, governance, and the development of international maritime law.

4.2.1. Maritime Safety and Navigation

He has proposed the establishment of a new fund for the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest sea lanes, through which users would voluntarily contribute to the costs of ensuring maritime safety. This initiative aims to challenge the traditional notion that the use of all sea routes should be free of charge, emphasizing the necessity of user contributions given current international circumstances. The Aids to Navigation Fund for the Malacca-Singapore Straits was established in 2007, building on earlier support for navigational safety in the region since 1967. He has also been involved in developing measures to combat maritime piracy.

4.2.2. Ocean Policy and Law

Sasakawa played a central role in the passage of Japan's Basic Ocean Law in 2007, a landmark legislation aimed at comprehensive ocean governance. He advocates for Japan to transition from a nation protected by the sea to one that protects the sea. At a plenary meeting of the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2017, he proposed the establishment of an intergovernmental panel for comprehensive ocean governance. In 2004, he established the [https://www.un.org/Depts/los/nippon/index United Nations - Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme] to foster a new generation of ocean leaders and professionals. In 2016, The Nippon Foundation Ocean Innovation Consortium was launched, a nationwide initiative engaging industrial, academic, public, and private sectors to build human capacity in offshore development.

4.2.3. Ocean Mapping Initiatives

In 2016, Sasakawa launched "Seabed 2030," an ambitious initiative aiming to comprehensively map the world's entire ocean floor by the year 2030.

4.5. Engagement in Myanmar

Sasakawa has been deeply involved in diplomatic and humanitarian work in Myanmar, aiming to facilitate national reconciliation and provide development support, navigating complex political transitions.

4.5.1. Diplomatic and Peacebuilding Efforts

Appointed as the Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar in 2013, Sasakawa has assisted in promoting dialogue between the Government of Myanmar and ethnic armed organizations at their request. He served as a witness to the Myanmar Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signed in 2015 between the Myanmar Government and eight ethnic armed organizations, and again in 2018 for two additional ethnic armed organizations. Japan was the only non-adjacent country invited to these signing ceremonies, pledging continued support for the peace process. Sasakawa has maintained relationships with key figures across Myanmar's political spectrum, including former President Than Shwe and Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, even after the 2021 military coup. In 2015, he led the Japanese government delegation of election observers for the Myanmar General Election, confirming the fairness of the elections as a significant step towards democratization.

4.5.2. Humanitarian and Development Support

Sasakawa has overseen significant humanitarian and development projects in Myanmar. Since 2002, The Nippon Foundation's school construction program has built 460 schools, including 300 in Shan State, 100 in Rakhine State, and 60 in Ayeyarwady Region. He has also led the distribution of food and medicine to conflict-affected people in inaccessible areas, reaching approximately 500,000 people over five years. In 2016, a Rehabilitation Program was launched with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Myanmar government, to build houses, schools, health clinics, and other facilities for conflict-affected people in regions under the influence of ethnic armed organizations that signed the NCA.

4.5.3. Navigating Political Transitions and Criticism

Sasakawa's continued engagement with Myanmar's military leadership, particularly after the 2021 coup, has drawn international attention and some criticism. While some media outlets have portrayed his efforts as a necessary "silent diplomacy" to address complex issues, others have questioned the ambiguity of his role, whether acting as an individual, a public foundation, or a government representative. Concerns have been raised regarding the ethical implications of engaging with a military regime accused of human rights abuses, especially as Japanese companies and businesses that relied on Sasakawa's connections for market entry were forced to withdraw due to international pressure and human rights considerations.

4.6. Disaster Relief Efforts

Sasakawa has demonstrated strong leadership in coordinating The Nippon Foundation's response to major natural disasters, particularly within Japan.

4.6.1. Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011, Sasakawa personally directed The Nippon Foundation's immediate relief efforts. A disaster support center was established in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, one of the most severely affected areas, with staff dispatched to coordinate volunteer activities. Emergency aid supplies were distributed, and financial support of up to 1.00 M JPY was provided to nearly 700 volunteer groups working in affected areas. Sasakawa personally visited Ishinomaki and Onagawa towns in Miyagi Prefecture in April 2011 to deliver condolence and relief money directly to the families of the deceased and missing, providing 50.00 K JPY per person.

4.6.2. Community and Volunteer Support

The Nippon Foundation organized and dispatched university student volunteer teams to the affected areas, with over 5,000 volunteers sent to date. Support was also provided to 22 disaster FM radio stations, and 42,000 radios were distributed. These rapid and extensive responses leveraged The Nippon Foundation's experience from 28 previous disaster volunteer support initiatives since the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. In June 2011, The Nippon Foundation partnered with Philip Morris International to launch "Doorway to Smiles," a project supporting children aged 18 and above in affected areas, with an initial contribution of 30.00 M JPY from Philip Morris. Sasakawa publicly addressed potential criticism for accepting funds from a tobacco company, stating that it was not a change in his stance on anti-smoking but a willingness to accept goodwill contributions for disaster relief from any source. In November 2012, as a result of this project, the "Ishinomaki Cafe ' '" was opened on the first floor of the Ishinomaki City Hall, designed by 50 high school students through a public competition.

4.7. Cultural and Social Initiatives

Sasakawa's engagement extends to cultural preservation, arts, sports, and contributing to public discourse on societal issues.

4.7.1. Arts, Culture, and Sports Support

He has supported various cultural events, including the True Colours Festival in Singapore in 2018, an arts festival featuring performances by artists with disabilities from 18 countries. In 2018, The Nippon Foundation Para Arena, a dedicated para sports gymnasium, was opened in Odaiba, Tokyo, to provide a training environment for athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center was also established in 2015 to strengthen national Para sports federations and raise public awareness of Paralympic movements. In 2017, a partnership agreement was signed with the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games for cooperation in volunteer activities for the 2020 Games.

Under Sasakawa's proposal, The Nippon Foundation has supported the Nippon Music Foundation since 1994 in collecting and lending world-class string instruments, including 19 Stradivarius and 2 Guarneri del Gesù violins, free of charge to top musicians and promising young artists both domestically and internationally. In June 2011, Sasakawa made the decision to sell one of the foundation's most prized Stradivarius violins, the "Lady Blunt," to raise funds for the Great East Japan Earthquake recovery efforts. The instrument was auctioned in London for a record-breaking 15.89 M USD, with all proceeds allocated to the "Great East Japan Earthquake Traditional Culture Restoration Support Fund" within the foundation, used to restore traditional performing arts and festival equipment in disaster-affected areas.

4.7.2. Public Discourse and Proposals

Sasakawa is an advocate for information disclosure by public-interest groups, maintaining a daily blog in Japanese to share his activities and thoughts. He contributes columns to the "Seiron" (Sound Argument) section of the Sankei Shimbun, engaging in public debate on various issues. In a 2008 column, he proposed increasing the price of a pack of cigarettes to 1.00 K JPY, sparking a public debate on the matter. He argued that such a price increase would lead to over 90% of smokers quitting, benefiting public health, fire prevention, and youth development. This "1000 yen per pack of tobacco debate" was even listed in the "Basic Knowledge of Modern Terms 2009." In 2010, he proposed the reconstruction of Edo Castle in Tokyo, arguing that it would serve as a symbol of Japan's identity, similar to the Palace of Versailles or the Statue of Liberty, and help restore national pride.

4.8. Relations with China

Sasakawa has maintained long-standing engagement with China, focusing on educational, cultural, and friendship-building initiatives, particularly during periods of strained bilateral relations.

4.8.1. Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs

He established the Sasakawa Medical Scholarship Program in 1987 to train 2,000 Chinese medical doctors in Japan, a program that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016, with approximately 2,200 fellows trained. He has also supported the donation of Japanese books to Chinese universities as part of educational and research initiatives. The Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (SYLFF) is established in 10 universities in China as part of its global network of 69 universities.

4.8.2. Friendship and Bilateral Relations

The Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund, with a fund size of 10.10 B JPY, is the largest private exchange fund between Japan and China. It was established in 1989, following the Tiananmen Square massacre, when China was internationally isolated and political relations between the two countries were strained. The fund aimed to maintain private-level ties. Sasakawa has met with numerous high-ranking Chinese leaders, including Deng Xiaoping (1985), Hu Yaobang (1986), Yang Shangkun (1990), and Zhu Rongji (1997), and also met with Hu Jintao in 1994 when he was a member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Sasakawa is known for speaking frankly to these leaders, as evidenced in his book "Two Thousand Years of History as a Mirror" and a 2005 speech at Nanjing University, where he discussed the historical background, roles, and future of Japan-China relations without compromise.

In 2004, when Lanzhou University, a SYLFF partner, mishandled its 1.00 M USD scholarship fund by investing it in a local investment trust that failed, Sasakawa immediately sent letters to General Secretary Hu Jintao and then-Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi, seeking an explanation and requesting the Chinese government's assistance in restoring the fund. He also held a press conference to explain the situation. In November 2006, Ambassador Wang Yi responded, confirming that the Ministry of Education had ensured the full restoration of the fund and expressing regret for the negative impact caused. The university subsequently confirmed the deposit, and the scholarship program continues under new management.

4.9. Boat Racing Business Management

Sasakawa has had a long and influential involvement in Japan's boat racing (kyōtei) industry, which serves as a significant source of funding for The Nippon Foundation's philanthropic activities.

He became Vice Chairman of the National Motorboat Racing Association (now Japan Motorboat Racing Organization) in 1981. During his tenure, he implemented various strategies to increase sales, including the introduction of telephone betting in 1985 and the opening of "Boatpia" (off-track betting facilities) in 1986. In 1994, he became the association's chairman. Recognizing the diversification of leisure activities, Sasakawa was an early proponent of night races, conducting an experimental night race at Hamana Lake Boat Racecourse in 1984, a first for public sports. Although other public sports like horse racing and auto racing introduced night races earlier, boat racing finally launched its first night race at Kiryu Boat Racecourse in 1997.

In 2000, he stepped down as chairman to become honorary chairman. In October of the same year, under his direction, the first triple-win betting system in public sports was launched at Suminoe Boat Racecourse, a format later adopted by horse racing and bicycle racing. While boat racing sales peaked at 2.20 T JPY in 1991 before declining with the collapse of the bubble economy, Sasakawa's innovative measures, initiated in 1981, aimed to prepare the industry for challenging times. He also conceived the idea of increasing the prize money for the SG (Special Grade) Championship Race to 100.00 M JPY for the winner starting in 1997, which was the highest prize money for a single event in professional sports at the time. He retired as honorary chairman of the association in March 2009.

In March 2002, Sasakawa made a notable decision regarding gender identity disorder (GID) in sports. The National Motorboat Racing Association initially planned to reject a female athlete, Chinatsu Ando, who wished to register as a male competitor due to GID. However, Sasakawa, prioritizing the athlete's human rights, decided to approve the registration change. This was considered a rare and commendable decision in the sports world at the time, with experts praising it as a significant step forward in societal understanding of GID.

5. Philosophy and Approach

Yohei Sasakawa's philosophy is rooted in a commitment to collaborative problem-solving, social entrepreneurship, and upholding human dignity. He believes that modern global challenges require integrated solutions involving cooperation across political, governmental, academic, and private sectors. His approach emphasizes transparency, as demonstrated by his public blog detailing his activities and thoughts. He advocates for a society where all members actively participate in creating the common good, encouraging corporate social responsibility and the integration of efforts by national and local governments, non-profit organizations, and corporations. His lifelong dedication to leprosy elimination highlights his deep belief in human rights and the importance of addressing social discrimination alongside medical issues.

6. Awards and Honors

Sasakawa has received numerous national and international awards, decorations, and honorary degrees in recognition of his diverse contributions to society.

6.1. National and International Awards

2019: Person of Cultural Merit (Japan)
2019: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)
2019: Gandhi Peace Prize (India)
2019: Agency for Cultural Affairs Commissioner's Award (Japan)
2019: 35th Seiron Taisho (Japan)
2018: Honorary Citizenship of the Republic of Palau
2018: The Royal Order of Monisaraphon Knight Grand Cross (Cambodia)
2018: 47th Okura Kishichiro Award (Japan)
2017: Ocean's 8 Award, The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
2017: Health and Human Rights Award (International Council of Nurses)
2017: Plus ratio quam vis Medal (Jagiellonian University, Poland)
2017: Health-for-All Gold Medal (WHO)
2016: The Award of Distinction of the President of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
2015: International Maritime Prize (IMO) (Awarded for 2014)
2014: The Rule of Law Award (International Bar Association)
2013: Gold Medal for Merits (Republic of Serbia)
2013: Friendship Medal (Socialist Republic of Vietnam)
2011: Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sahametrei (Cambodia)
2011: Commander of the Order of Recognition (Central African Republic)
2010: Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog (Denmark)
2010: Order of Timor-Leste (East Timor)
2010: Ethiopian Millennium Gold Medal
2010: Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
2010: Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of the Falcon (Iceland)
2010: Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (Malaysia)
2010: Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (Norway)
2010: Commander First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star (Sweden)
2010: Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Medallion of the World Food Prize
2010: The Diploma of an Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences
2010: The Patriarch's Chart of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill
2007: Order of the Pole Star (Mongolia)
2007: Coast Guard Legion of Honor (Degree of Maginoo) (Philippines)
2007: International Gandhi Award (India)
2006: Commander of the National Order of Mali
2004: Yomiuri International Cooperation Prize (Japan)
2003: Commander of the Royal Order of Monisaraphon (Cambodia)
2003: National Construction Decoration (Cambodia)
2003: Officer of the National Order of Madagascar (Republic of Madagascar)
2003: The Special Award (World Maritime University, Sweden)
2001: Václav Havel Memorial Medal (Czech Republic)
2001: Millennium Gandhi Award (International Leprosy Union)
2000: Decerne la Medaille d'Honneur de Menerbes (France)
2000: International Green Pen Awards honour Pacific Environmental Journalism (Fiji)
2000: Grand Officer of the Order for Merit (Romania)
1998: Al Hussein Bin Ali Decoration for Accomplishment, First Degree (Jordan)
1998: Health For All Gold Medal (World Health Organization)
1997: China Health Medal (Republic of China)
1996: Francis Skorina Medal (Belarus)
1996: Commander of the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service (Peru)
1996: Kin Inka Sho (Peru)
1996: Order of Friendship (Russian Federation)
1996: Order of Merit, Third Class (Ukraine)
1995: Order of the Grand Star of Djibouti (Republic of Djibouti)
1989: Grand Officer of the Order of Mono (Togo)
2021: Grand Oficial of the National Order (Republic of Ecuador)

6.2. Honorary Degrees and Academic Recognition

2023: Honorary Doctor, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2019: Doctor of Humanities, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
2018: Honorary Doctor, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mongolia
2018: Advisory Professor, Jilin University, China
2017: Doctor of Laws, University of Minnesota, USA
2016: Doctor Honoris Causa, Sofia University, Bulgaria
2013: Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, University of York, United Kingdom
2012: Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities, University of Malaya, Malaysia
2012: Honorary Degree of Doctor of Agricultural Development Honoris Causa, Hawassa University, Ethiopia
2010: Honorary Academician, Russian Academy of Natural Sciences
2009: Honorary Professorship, Yunnan University, China
2008: Honorary Degree of Doctor in Humane Letters, University for Peace, Costa Rica
2008: Honorary Professorship, Dalian University of Foreign Languages, China
2007: Honorary Doctor of Humanity, University of Cambodia, Cambodia
2007: Honorary Professorship, Guizhou University, China
2007: Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
2006: Honorary Professorship, Dalian Maritime University, China
2005: Doctor Honoris Causa, Jadavpur University, India
2005: Honorary Chairman, International Association of Maritime Universities
2004: Honorary Professorship, Shanghai Maritime University, China
2004: Doctor Honoris Causa, World Maritime University, Sweden
2004: Honorary Professorship, Heilongjiang University, China
2004: Honorary Professorship, Harbin Medical University, China
2003: Honorary Professorship, China Medical University, China
2003: Doctor Honoris Causa, The Academy of Management, Mongolia
2000: Doctor Honoris Causa, University of Bucharest, Romania
2000: Doctor Honoris Causa, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
2000: Honorary Professorship, Yanbian University, China

7. Publications

Yohei Sasakawa has authored several books, offering insights into his perspectives on social issues, international relations, and personal experiences:

No Matter Where the Journey Takes Me: One Man's Quest for a Leprosy-Free World (Hurst & Company, 2019)
My Struggle against Leprosy (Festina Lente, 2019)
Chikyū o Kakeru: Sekai no Hansenbyō no Genba Kara (地球を駆ける-世界のハンセン病の現場から_{Running Around the Globe: From the Front Lines of Leprosy Worldwide}^Japanese) (Kōsaku-sha, 2021)
Aisuru Sokoku e (愛する祖国へ_{To My Beloved Homeland}^Japanese) (Sankei Shimbun Publishing, 2016)
Shinshi no "Hinkaku" 2 (紳士の「品格」2_{Gentleman's "Dignity" 2}^Japanese) (PHP Institute, 2015)
Zanshin (残心_{Lingering Mind}^Japanese) (Gentosha, 2014)
Shinshi no "Hinkaku" (紳士の「品格」_{Gentleman's "Dignity"}^Japanese) (PHP Institute, 2012)
Rinjin Chūgokujin ni Itte Okitai Koto (隣人・中国人に言っておきたいこと_{Things I Want to Say to My Chinese Neighbors}^Japanese) (PHP Institute, 2010)
Fukanō o Kanō ni: Sekai no Hansenbyō to no Tatakai (不可能を可能に世界のハンセン病との闘い_{Making the Impossible Possible: The Fight Against Leprosy Worldwide}^Japanese) (Akashi Shoten, 2010)
Wakamono yo, Sekai ni Habatake! (若者よ、世界に翔(はばた)け！_{Young People, Soar into the World!}^Japanese) (PHP Institute, 2009)
Ningen Toshite Ikite Hoshii Kara (人間として生きてほしいから_{Because I Want You to Live as a Human Being}^Japanese) (Kairyusha, 2008)
Kono Kuni, Ano Kuni (この国、あの国_{This Country, That Country}^Japanese) (Sankei Shimbun, 2004)
Sekai no Hansenbyō ga Nakunaru Hi (世界のハンセン病がなくなる日_{The Day Leprosy Disappears from the World}^Japanese) (Akashi Shoten, 2004)
Nisen-nen no Rekishi o Kagami Toshite (二千年の歴史を鑑として_{Two Thousand Years of History as a Mirror}^Japanese) (Nippon Kyōhō Sha, 2003)
Gaimushō no Shiranai Sekai no "Sugao" (外務省の知らない世界の"素顔"_{The World's "True Face" Unknown to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs}^Japanese) (Sankei Shimbun, 1998)

8. Evaluation and Impact

Yohei Sasakawa's career has had a profound and multifaceted impact on global social welfare and international relations. His leadership at The Nippon Foundation has channeled substantial resources, largely derived from the controversial boat racing industry, into numerous philanthropic initiatives worldwide. His tireless dedication to leprosy elimination has significantly advanced the global fight against the disease, not only through medical interventions but also by elevating it as a critical human rights issue on the international stage, leading to landmark UN resolutions.

However, his activities have not been without scrutiny. The foundation's reliance on revenue from gambling operations has been a point of contention, with critics sometimes referring to the funds as "black money." Furthermore, his diplomatic engagement in politically sensitive regions, particularly Myanmar, has drawn mixed reactions. While he is recognized for fostering dialogue and delivering humanitarian aid in complex environments, his continued interaction with the military regime after the 2021 coup has raised concerns about legitimizing an undemocratic government and its human rights record. This has led to some Japanese businesses withdrawing from Myanmar due to ethical considerations. Despite these criticisms, Sasakawa's extensive network and proactive approach to social entrepreneurship have enabled him to address a wide array of global challenges, from maritime safety to disaster relief and educational development, leaving a significant, albeit complex, legacy.