The College is deeply saddened to report the death of Honorary Fellow Dr Kotaro Ono KBE.

Dr Ono was a loyal friend, advisor and donor to Worcester College and the wider University. He was one of the founding members of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors in 1990 and his name was later carved on the Clarendon Arch in testimony to his generous support. In 2022 he received the Distinguished Friends of Oxford Award in recognition of a lifetime of unwavering support and friendship through multiple benefactions, introductions, the funding of concerts, and deeply valued advice.

At Worcester, Dr Ono’s gifts funded the construction of the Franks Building in 1999, providing purpose-built accommodation for graduate students. He was also instrumental in the setting up and operation of the University of Oxford Japan Office from its foundation and deployed his extensive business network to make introductions to some of the top business leaders and major companies in Japan.

Dr Ono was awarded an Honorary KBE in 2012 for services to British charities and institutions. He last visited Worcester in 2022 for the Honorary Fellows’ induction and lunch.

Dr Kotaro Ono died on Sunday 11 August 2024, aged 92. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.