Anne Frank’s father devoted his life to peace: Holocaust Education Center in Fukuyama City marks 30th anniversary with special exhibition
Jun. 8, 2025
Dutch Ambassador to Japan also attends ceremony
by Ikumi Yorikane, Staff Writer
On June 7, a special exhibition tracing the life of Otto Frank (1889–1980), the father of Anne Frank, who is known for her writing Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, opened at the Holocaust Education Center. The center, located in the area of Miyuki-cho in Fukuyama City, works to convey the story of the genocide of the Jewish people during World War II. Gilles Beschoor Plug, the Ambassador to Japan from the Netherlands, the country in which Anne Frank’s hiding place was located, also visited the center and reflected on the painful history of the Frank family and the genocide.
The commemorative event marks the center’s 30th anniversary this month. The exhibition features 12 panels tracing Otto’s life, from his childhood and his years in hiding after escaping Nazi persecution, to his peace activities after the war. Personal items provided by his family are also on display, including a message Anne herself had written in English, which reads, “I shall work in the world and for mankind.”
Mr. Plug was in attendance at the 30th anniversary ceremony. Guided by children from the local area, he viewed around 500 belongings and materials left behind by victims, as well as a collection of Anne Frank Roses, a flower developed in memory of Anne. He also recited a passage from her writing in The Diary of a Young Girl.
The center was founded after Makoto Otsuka, now 76 and director general of the center, had met Otto on a trip around 50 years ago. Otto had implored Mr. Otsuka to be someone who actually does something to create a peaceful world, not just sympathize with the 1.5 million children killed in the Holocaust. The center first opened its doors in June 1995.
Mr. Otsuka encourages people to visit the center, saying, “Otto endured more hardship than anyone else, yet he was very kind. I hope visitors take inspiration from his life and learn from him how to live into the future.” The special exhibition will run through May 30, 2026. Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays, the exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Originally published on June 8, 2025)
