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Dr Yohei Sasakawa

 

HM The Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Professor Adam Weintrit, 
invites you to attend the ceremony for the conferral of the 
honorary title of Doctor honoris causa upon Dr Yohei Sasakawa
 on 27 January 2026 at 11:00 am in the Tadeusz Meissner Auditorium
 in the University’s main building on Morska Street.

Gdynia Maritime University awards the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the advancement of science, culture, the economy, maritime education, or public life. On 27 January 2026, the University will celebrate the conferral of the distinguished title of Doctor honoris causa upon Dr Yōhei Sasakawa. 

Dr.Yohei Sasakawa was born in Tokyo, Japan, on 8 January 1939. He graduated from the School of Political and Economic Sciences at Meiji University. Before dedicating his life to philanthropy, he was connected with business and the blue economy. For 20 years, he held the post of Director of the Japanese Foundation for the Development of Ship Building (currently the Ocean Policy Research Institute). 

He served as President of The Nippon Foundation – the largest charitable foundation in Japan – from 1989 to 2005, and as Chair from 2005 to 2025. Since June 2025, he has held the position of the Foundation’s Honorary Chair, while remaining active in the areas of his previous work.

Among the most important activities of Dr. Sasakawa is his work on maritime safety and the protection of the oceans. This is conducted through close cooperation with the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), of which he served as Honorary Chair from 2005 until 2025. In addition, his work in philanthropy has focused particularly on helping those affected by leprosy. 

Dr. Sasakawa continues to collaborate with entities from the political, governmental, academic, and private sectors, undertaking initiatives aimed at solving issues in areas such as health, education, food security, and maritime safety.   

In his foreword to the commemorative publication, HM The Rector of GMU states:

Dr. Yohei Sasakawa is a figure of exceptional authority, combining a vision of responsible leadership with tangible action undertaken in the service of peace, sustainable development, and cooperation among nations. His activities, carried out through The Nippon Foundation, have for decades contributed to the advancement of maritime education, the protection of the ocean environment, maritime safety and security, and the building of bridges of understanding between the cultures of the East and the West.

On 25 September 2025, the Senate of Gdynia Maritime University passed Resolution No. 70/XVIII regarding the conferral of the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa on Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of the Nippon Foundation, by Gdynia Maritime University

'in recognition of his contributions to promoting peace, public health, and international cooperation, and for supporting international dialogue, building bridges between nations, and, above all, shaping maritime policy and ensuring safety at sea, Gdynia Maritime University confers upon Dr. Yohei Sasakawa the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa.'

Order of Events

  • Opening ceremony
  • Ceremonial Address by HM The Rector Professor Adam Weintrit
  • Laudatio by Professor Janusz Mindykowski
  • Presentation of the Doctor honoris causa diploma
  • Talk by Dr. Yohei Sasakawa