AAR JAPAN - Founder's Remarks


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Founder's Remarks

I called on the Japanese people to establish an organization that would show their goodwill to the world. It was in the late 1970s when a massive wave of Indochinese refugees sought international assistance and Japan came under intense international criticism as " a country which gives the cold shoulder to refugees". The Association to Aid the Indochinese Refugees established then became the forerunner of the Association for Aid and Relief, Japan.

I am truly grateful for the generous support we have received for our organization which gives assistance purely on humanitarian grounds without any political, religious, or ideological affiliations. The scope of our activities has broadened over the years. Our work now includes not only assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons, but also anti-personnel landmine activities, relief efforts for victims of disasters, and help for children and the persons with disabilities.

Today the world faces many urgent issues. At times the seriousness and the magnitude of some of these issues seems overwhelming. I believe, however, that despite all that is troubling the world today, the gathering of the power of each person can become a mighty force. Let me renew my call on you to become part of this force. Your support for AAR will make a difference.

Yukika SOHMA, Founder

Profile of Yukika SOHMA

Born in 1912. Founder of AAR JAPAN. Japan's first English/Japanese simultaneous interpreter. The third daughter of Yukio Ozaki (pen name Gakudo), a well-known liberal politician known as "kensei no kami" or "the god of constitutional government" in Japan. Throughout the 96 years of her life, she worked vigorously travelling around the world, while holding various key posts including vice chairperson of the Ozaki Yukio Memorial Foundation and Chairperson of the Japan-Korea Women's Friendship Association.
Passed away November 8th, 2008.