- Europe, 1940. For thousands of Jews, a Japanese diplomat and his wife defy Tokyo and the Nazis, and offer visas, for life.
- Haunted by the sight of hundreds of Jewish refugees outside the consulate gates, a Japanese diplomat and his wife, stationed in Kaunas, Lithuania at the beginning of World War II, must decide how much they are willing to risk. Inspired by a true story, VISAS AND VIRTUE explores the moral and professional dilemmas that Consul General Chiune "Sempo" Sugihara faces in making a life or death decision: defy his own government's direct orders and risk his career, by issuing live-saving transit visas, or obey orders and turn his back on humanity. This Academy Award® winning 26-minute portrait gracefully captured in period black and white by noted cinematographer Hiro Narita poignantly pays tribute to the rescuer of 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust.—Cedar Grove Productions
- An elderly Japanese woman (Kyoko Motoyama) who is caring for her ailing husband (Mitsushi Yamaguchi), reminisces (V.O. by Shizuko Hoshi) about the special man she married, and the extraordinary situation they found themselves in, when he was stationed at the Japanese Consulate in Lithuania in 1940...
Escaping Poland, a large crowd of Jewish refugees has gathered outside the Consulate building where Consul General Chiune Sugihara (Chris Tashima) has recently been assigned. He is living there with his wife, Yukiko (Susan Fukuda), their three small children, and Yukiko's sister, Setsuko (Linda Igarashi). Sugihara had begun granting visas to the refugees. However, feeling there is too much at risk, for his career and for the family, Sugihara tells Yukiko they should stop. The stress of their situation has left her unable to nurse their three-month-old son, Haruki. A telegram arrives from Tokyo, ordering Sugihara to stop as well, but Yukiko begs him to keep writing, to save the children outside. He allows her to send in one more applicant.
Yukiko ushers in a young couple, Helena (Diana Georger) and Nathan (Lawrence Craig) Rosen. During the interview, Nathan explains that just a week ago, as they were fleeing Poland, a Nazi bullet struck and killed their infant son, Michael. Haruki begins to cry, in the nearby nursery room, and Yukiko has to excuse herself. Sugihara tries to tell the Rosens that his wife is unable to nurse, and he too leaves, to tend to his wife. The Rosens are left alone, and share a brief, private moment. Helena, feeling the weight of all they have had to endure, tearfully questions the loss of their baby. Nathan comforts her.
Sugihara returns, with Yukiko, and he completes the visa process. He tells the Rosens the transit visa will allow them to escape, to Japan. Helena asks Yukiko about her baby's health. Realizing her life has just been saved by the Sugiharas, she offers to them, "I can help. I have milk. I can nurse your baby." A grateful Yukiko thanks her and leads her to the nursery. Nathan thanks Sugihara and expresses hope for their future. As they say their goodbyes, Nathan promises he will not forget his new friend.
Sugihara decides to continue issuing visas, as many as he can write, until the consulate is shut down a week later. He is ordered to Berlin, but keeps issuing visas from a hotel, and finally from the train platform, as he is departing Lithuania. The crowd of refugees has followed him there. Realizing time has run out, Sugihara apologizes for not being able to write more. A man in the crowd (Jack Newalu) shouts, "We will not forget you! We will see you again!" The train pulls away. The Sugiharas can only watch, helplessly, as there are so many still left behind...
The Elderly Yukiko explains the hardships they faced, in consequence of what happened in Lithuania: They were imprisoned in Russia for over a year, after the war. When Sugihara returned to Tokyo he was fired, and disgraced. Shortly after, Haruki died. But, Sugihara never regretted his actions, which saved an estimated 6,000 lives.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content