16 Facts About Hugh Cortazzi

Sir Arthur Henry Hugh Cortazzi, was a British diplomat.

Hugh Cortazzi was a distinguished international businessman, academic, author and prominent Japanologist.

Hugh Cortazzi was Ambassador from the United Kingdom to Japan, President of the Asiatic Society of Japan and Chairman of the Japan Society of London.

Hugh Cortazzi served in the Royal Air Force from 1943 to 1947, serving in Britain and India, and later elsewhere in Asia.

Hugh Cortazzi began in the RAF as an Aircraftman 2nd Class and was assigned to a six-month course learning Japanese, taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Hugh Cortazzi was assigned to Number 5 Mobile Section, and was then posted to Singapore as the personal interpreter of General Miles Dempsey, the commander of the 14th Army.

Hugh Cortazzi was granted a wartime commission in the rank of Pilot Officer in June 1945.

Hugh Cortazzi was promoted to Flying Officer in December 1945, and left the service in 1947, after which he joined the Foreign Office.

In 1998 Hugh Cortazzi published his autobiography, Japan and Back, and Places Elsewhere.

In 1980, Sir Hugh Cortazzi was elevated to the rank of Knight Commander the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George.

Sir Hugh Cortazzi retired from public service after his years as British ambassador to Japan, but in private life, he has continued to work promoting better Anglo-Japanese relations.

Hugh Cortazzi has been a Director of Director: Foreign and Colonial Pacific Trust since 1984; a Director of GT Japan Investment Trust since 1984; and a Director of Thornton Pacific Investment Trust since 1986.

Sir Hugh Cortazzi was a member of the Economic and Social Research Council ; a member of the Council and Court, University of Sussex ; and Honorary Fellow of Robinson College, University of Cambridge,.

Hugh Cortazzi died on 14 August 2018 at the age of 94.

Sir Hugh Cortazzi has written, edited, translated or contributed to a number of books on the history of Anglo-Japanese relations, and Japanese history or culture.

Hugh Cortazzi has written articles on Japanese themes in English and Japanese publications.