Ms. Sugihara was the 1st and 2nd Alternate of JAOT between 1995-2001, and the fourth president of JAOT from 2001 to 2009. During her term as the president she attended the 28th WFOT Council Meeting, at which JAOT delivered a presentation as part of bid to host the WFOT Congress 2014. She dedicated her time to the development of new educational and academic initiatives, thereby making a significant contribution to maintaining and improving the professional standards of occupational therapists in Japan.
She was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette (award by the Emperor to individuals with distinguished achievements in various fields) in 2021.
We will always be grateful for Ms. Sugihara’s life and legacy. May she rest in eternal peace.