The Inaugural Sir Hugh Cortazzi Lecture - Photos

On 24 September, The Japan Society in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) hosted The Inaugural Sir Hugh Cortazzi Lecture, honoring the life and legacy of Sir Hugh Cortazzi GCMG (1924–2018). Sir Hugh was a champion of Anglo-Japanese relations, both during his diplomatic career at the FCDO and in his retirement. He served as UK Ambassador to Japan (1980–1984) and was chair of The Japan Society (1985–1995).

The lecture, held in the historic Locarno Suite at the FCDO, was delivered by Mami Mizutori, former Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Agency. The event was opened by Sue Hudson, Senior Director for Projects and Business Development at Fujisankei and Honorary Editor at The Japan Society who reflected on the impact of Hugh's work on the two countries. Sue was followed by Owen Jenkins, Director General for Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa at the FCDO, who spoke to the importance of the UK-Japan relationship within the global context. Attendees included representatives from Parliament and Whitehall as well as The Japan Society’s membership and delegates of Anglo-Japanese organsations and business companies.

In her talk, The Importance of Diplomacy, Mami Mizutori reflected on themes central to the career of Sir Hugh, described as "a larger-than-life figure" (read the full speech below). She eloquently highlighted Sir Hugh’s "determination and tenacity" in fostering bilateral ties, emphasizing that his commitment extended well beyond the corridors of government. She remarked, “If he were with us today, I can imagine him proclaiming: ‘But isn’t it so obvious that diplomacy is important?’”

Sir Hugh’s legacy was not solely his own; as Mami Mizutori observed, “The commitment to strengthen this relationship had always been a joint endeavour of Sir Hugh and Lady Cortazzi as a couple. There is always a strong spouse behind a resolute diplomat.” Together, they embodied a deep and enduring dedication to strengthening cultural and academic ties between the UK and Japan, even during periods of diminished interest in Japan or challenging Anglo-Japanese relations.

In her lecture, Mami Mizutori emphasized that diplomacy today requires a "multi-directional" approach, involving governments, cultural institutions, media, academia, and civil society. She underscored the importance of soft power, observing that “my three years in London…truly allowed me to open up my mind and heart to the holistic way in which diplomacy works". She also highlighted the essential role of organizations like The Japan Society, which she described as “the backbone of strong relations”:

The partnerships forged amongst the governments, the politicians, the private sector, the cultural organisations, the media, the scientific community and the civil society within the framework of The Japan Society are priceless. We should never take for granted the continuation of these organisations or that such structures exist. They are the clear result of the never-ending work of men and women who accepted positions of leadership. This included Sir Hugh, and now Mr Bill Emmott at the helm of The Japan Society, along with those who supported their leaders and worked with them.

These partnerships, she noted, must evolve to include younger generations to ensure their continued relevance.

The Japan Society extends its heartfelt thanks to Lady Elizabeth Cortazzi, the Cortazzi family, along with Sir Philip Barton, Owen Jenkins, and everyone at the FCDO for their support for this event.

Read the full speech: The Importance of Diplomacy - Mami Mizutori