On the Passing of Former Chairperson Ayako Sono of The Nippon Foundation
Published on March 14, 2025
Ms. Ayako Sono, a renowned Japanese writer and former chairperson of The Nippon Foundation, passed away at a Tokyo hospital on February 28. She was 93.
She succeeded my late father, Ryoichi Sasakawa, as head of the Japan Shipbuilding Industry Foundation, now The Nippon Foundation, in 1995. She served as chairperson for nine and half years until I assumed the post in 2005.
Known as one of this country’s best-known writers of fiction and essays, she was also a tireless advocate of human rights.
The following is the statement I posted on the foundation’s website on March 5, 2025.
My Condolences on the Passing of Ayako Sono
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ayako Sono, former chairperson of The Nippon Foundation.
During the nine-and-one-half years that she served as chairperson, from December 1995 to June 2005, Ms. Sono devoted herself to the foundation’s development. The way she worked to address various social issues with love and passion deeply impressed many people. Her leadership and many activities have been passed down to all of us at the foundation today.
We are very fortunate to have experienced the many contributions she made to Japanese society, her compassion for others, and her rigorous attitude. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence many people for years to come.
Yohei Sasakawa
Chairman
The Nippon Foundation
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