TOSHIRO OZAWA
JapanFormer Ambassador to South Africa Former Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
Former diplomat. Born in Tokyo in 1948. After graduating from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Law, he entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1973. Overseas postings include Consul-General in Vancouver, Ambassador to the United Nations (Deputy Permanent Representative), Ambassador to South Africa (accredited also to Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho) and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna. Learning about the future plans for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative directly from Mr. Yoshiomi Tamai while in South Africa, he decided to actively support the initiative. He currently teaches as a visiting professor at the International University of Japan and is also an elected member of the UN Committee on Contributions.
- Message
Mr. Tamai of Ashinaga confided to me his 100 year vision for providing higher education for orphaned children in sub-Sahara Africa in 2011, when I was the Ambassador of Japan in South Africa. Initially flabbergasted, I came to understand that if there is anyone who could realize this vision, it would be Mr. Tamai endowed with his superb organizational skills and his “Tamai magic.” I am a full supporter of this vision, and will gladly serve in the Kenjin-Tatsujin Council.