Hugh Cortazzi facts for kids

Sir Arthur Henry Hugh Cortazzi (2 May 1924 – 14 August 2018) was an important British diplomat. He was also a successful international businessman, a scholar, and an author. Sir Hugh was especially known as a Japanologist, meaning he was an expert on Japan.

He served as the Ambassador from the United Kingdom to Japan from 1980 to 1984. He also led the Asiatic Society of Japan and was Chairman of the Japan Society of London.

Early Life and Learning Japanese

Hugh Cortazzi went to Sedbergh School, St Andrews University, and the University of London. During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1943. He served in Britain and India.

In the RAF, he took a special six-month course to learn Japanese. This course was taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies. After finishing the course, he became an interpreter. He worked in India and later in Singapore, translating important wartime documents. He even worked as a personal interpreter for General Miles Dempsey. In 1998, Sir Hugh wrote a book about his experiences called Japan and Back, and Places Elsewhere.

A Career in Diplomacy

After the war, Sir Hugh joined the British Foreign Office. He worked in many different countries. His first postings were in Singapore (1950–1951) and Tokyo (1951–1954). He also worked in Whitehall (London) and Bonn, Germany.

He spent several periods working in Tokyo, showing his strong connection to Japan. In 1975, he became a high-ranking official called Deputy Under-Secretary of State. This was a very important job in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

In 1980, Sir Hugh Cortazzi became the British Ambassador to Japan. This meant he was the UK's top representative in Japan. He held this important role for four years. During this time, he was given a special honour, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Working for UK-Japan Relations

Even after retiring from his role as Ambassador, Sir Hugh continued to work hard. He wanted to improve the friendship and understanding between Britain and Japan. He wrote many books and articles about Japanese history and culture. He also wrote a regular column for the Japan Times newspaper.

In 2006, he translated a book written by Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan. The book was about the Crown Prince's time studying at Oxford University and was called The Thames and I.

Sir Hugh also worked in business. He was a director for several companies and advised Japanese businesses with interests in the UK. He was also involved with academic groups, like the Economic and Social Research Council. He died on 14 August 2018, at the age of 94.

Honours and Awards

Sir Hugh Cortazzi received many awards for his important work:

• Honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling, 1988.
• Order of the Sacred Treasure, Grand Cordon (Japan), 1995. This is a very high honour from Japan.
• Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), 1969.
• Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG), 1980.
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG), 1984.

Books and Writings

Sir Hugh wrote, edited, or helped create many books. Most of his writings were about the history of Anglo-Japanese relations (the relationship between Britain and Japan) and Japanese history or culture. He also wrote many articles for both English and Japanese publications.

Some of his notable works include:

• Japan and Back and Places Elsewhere (1998) – his autobiography.
• British Envoys in Japan, 1859–1972 (2001) – about British diplomats in Japan.
• The Thames and I: A Memoir Of Two Years At Oxford (2004) – his translation of Crown Prince Naruhito's book.
• Japan in Late Victorian London: The Japanese Native Village in Knightsbridge and 'The Mikado', 1885 (2009) – about Japan's influence in London in the late 1800s.

See also

• Heads of the United Kingdom Mission in Japan
• Anglo-Japanese relations