Second Chapter
BE A COSMOPOLITAN : Professor Ogata at Sophia UniversityDr. Ogata had always manifested the value of being a cosmopolitan, having interest in the outside world, the importance of the power of people, and acting on one’s convictions, as noted above. She shared such values during her years at Sophia University. In this chapter we review through her own words what led her to Sophia University and to her actions while at our university.
1. Her CAREER (Selections)
資料番号：写真FC-16-113A valuable photo captured during her lecture
資料番号：ネガ2-9104S-0023Chatting with fellow members of faculty and staff
2. Her Encounter with Father Joseph Pittau, the President of Sophia University
資料番号：ネガ2-8912e-0010
Dr. Ogata voting at the university’s presidential election“While serving as the UN envoy I was taking time off from ICU for three years, which I could no longer extend, so I ended up leaving my posts there. I felt fortunate to be invited to Sophia University. The invitation was made by Father Pittau, the President of Sophia University at the time. I had great respect for Father Pittau who had been actively engaged in assisting refugees. He took students in person to overseas countries such as the Philippines to show their real conditions including severe poverty.”
Kikisho: Ogata Sadako Kaikoroku, Iwanami Shoten 2002, pp. 92-93.
(In Her Own Words: Sadako Ogata Memoirs)
Do not be inward-looking, but show concern and interest in the world around you.
Father Pittau who served as the President of Sophia University, asked Dr. Ogata to join Sophia University. He had been taking initiatives at that time to promote educational activities to tackle major world issues, including world poverty and the plight of Indochinese refugees (boat people).
資料番号：学長-07-01Father Joseph Pittau“ Reflecting on injustice, starting from refugee issues.”
“Refugees change the Map of the World”, Asahi Journal 1980, p. 25.
“I truly believe that education must play a major role. I know as a fact that it is taking a good turn in recent years. For an instance, I know a professor who last year took students to visit slums of Calcutta and Bombay during spring and summer vacation time.…our responsibilities for those countries as Japanese citizens can be taught through our education, and I think it is very important. “
3. BE A COSMOPOLITAN
ソフィア・アーカイブズ所蔵
Cover of the Brochure for Symposium “Fostering Global Citizenship”
Be a cosmopolitan
Sophia University and Mainichi Shimbun co-organized the symposium “Fostering Global Citizenship”
The symposium “Fostering Global Citizenship” was organized by Sophia University and Mainichi Shimbun in May 1980. In this major event experts discussed the internationalization of Japan while the country was experiencing trade friction with the United States due to the acute growth of Japanese exports. In the exhibit below, Professor Ogata discusses what it takes to be a true international person and achieve internaitonalization. Her true affection for fellow Japanese people can be sensed in her words.
ソフィア・アーカイブズ所蔵
Talking points for her lecture
“To be non-discriminatory toward foreign people and their mindset is the top priority for being a global citizen.”(Dai-ichi subcommittee “What is a cosmopolitan?”)
“No country can exist alone today. It is our urgent mission to liberate our society by fostering Japanese citizens who first condition for being cosmopolitan.”
4. Students Need a Broad Perspective
Appointed as UN Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesGaining Global Knowledges
This is an article from the student newspaper, Jochi Shimbun, featuring her last interview before leaving her post at Sophia University.
In her article “Students Need a Broad Perspective in a Time of Change,” she left an uncompromising but heart-filled message to students.
“Japanese must not think only about Japan; that era is over. With open eyes we must be conscious of where we are (in the world).”
“Strengthen your consciousness of the world while in school. Then, at least a little, go out and feel and experience the rest of the world. You can do so today.”