In 1940, Nazi forces advanced through Eastern Europe. 200 Polish Jews sought help at the Japanese consulate in Lithuania, hoping to escape.
Japan and Nazi Germany had an alliance. Japan’s policy allowed Jewish refugees to access its territories. Most countries, including the U.S., turned them away.
Chiune Sugihara was Japan’s Consul General in Lithuania. He defied orders from Tokyo. Sugihara issued visas to these refugees, risking his career and reputation. His actions led to his demotion an