At a glance: Japan

Tetsuko Kuroyanagi raises another $1 million for UNICEF

© UNICEF DRC/2004/Morel

Tetsuko Kuroyanagi meets with children at a camp for displaced people in Bunia, DR Congo.

TOKYO, 31 January 2005 – Renowned Japanese TV personality and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi raised yet another $1 million in 2004 to help UNICEF in its work for the world’s children.

“Tetsuko has raised close to $40 million dollars through her 22 field visits in the past 21 years,” said the Director of UNICEF Office in Japan, Yoshiteru Uramoto. “In 2003 she raised over $2 million alone, and she regularly collects $3 million a year,” says Mr. Uramoto.

Last year Tetusko visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) representing UNICEF. As usual, she was accompanied by a Japanese photographer, print journalists and a television team. Tetusko went to Kinshasa, Goma and Bunia, and witnessed firsthand the consequences of the country’s devastating five-year long conflict.

© UNICEF DRC/2004/Morel

Tetsuko visits children affected by war in Goma, DR Congo.

Upon their return to Japan, the television team produced a 90-minute programme documenting Tetsuko’s visit to the DRC. The programme has aired throughout Japan and has received overwhelming public response. Tetsuko also appeared in other televised fundraising events during the year, and eventually raised over $1 million dollars for UNICEF.

“The uniqueness of Tetsuko’s contribution is its continuity. She has been doing this every year since she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador in 1984,” said Mr. Uramoto.

“It’s not just money that she generates, it’s the empathy, solidarity, and understanding of the urge of someone who has to do something about these kids. I think the number of people who are moved by Tetsuko is far more than the money she has generated. The fact that the Japanese Government has also provided over 150 million dollars in 2004 owes very much to Tetsuko Kuroyanagi and her work,” says Mr. Uramoto.