By Suzy Alstrin
Sachi Koto (RU-2004) was honored as Alumna of the Year at Reinhardt University’s annual Evening of Honors ceremony. A 2004 graduate of Reinhardt, Koto earned her bachelor’s degree in communications, graduating summa cum laude and as a presidential scholar.
Koto broke ground in broadcast journalism, becoming the first Japanese American on-air talent in the Southeast and the first Asian American on-air talent in Atlanta during her time as a reporter for WQXI radio and WAGA-TV in the 1970s. Her pioneering career took her to the Japan Cable Television Network (JCTV), where she worked for nine years, before anchoring CNN Headline News, CNN Radio, and CNN International in Atlanta for over 16 years.
In 2005, she founded Sachi Koto Communications, a public relations and communications firm. Over the years, her journalism and public service have earned her numerous accolades, including the National Star of Asia Award in 2002, the Honorary Texan Award from Governor Rick Perry, and a commissioner appointment to the Asian American Commission for a New Georgia by Governor Sonny Perdue. In 2021, Koto received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from the Emperor of Japan in recognition of her “outstanding contribution to promoting exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States”.
During the April 14th event, Koto shared personal reflections about her early life. She described the challenges of growing up as the only Japanese family in her school, less than a decade after World War II. Despite facing bullying, she experienced and witnessed a greater acceptance of her identity, which she reflected as part of “a true journey to learn to love myself.”
She offered heartfelt advice, saying to the students, “I hope that wherever you are in life, you do love yourself. And believe me, if you go by the golden rule as you move out into the workplace, I promise that you will succeed.”
