Report on the JCIE 15th Anniversary International Symposium, Tokyo, December 1985
In the 1980s, Japan faced increasing pressure to play a greater international role befitting its position as an economic superpower. There was a growing awareness in Japan of the need for the private sector to become more involved in public affairs, rather than simply looking on foreign aid and international goodwill as the government’s job. The nation, however, lacked a tradition of private philanthropy as well as the infrastructure to carry it out.
As a private, nonprofit organization devoted to international exchange and research in the field of foreign policy, the Japan Center for International Exchange has depended on private donations since its inception. Thus it is fitting that the center chose to celebrate its 15th anniversary by sponsoring a symposium on philanthropy.
The proceedings of the conference, presented here, include talks about different types of corporate giving in Japan; the role of Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations) in linking applicants and corporate donors; and cultural, organizational, and procedural factors, including an unfavorable tax code and lack of experienced staff, that impede philanthropic activities in Japan. The philosophy, activities, and goals of well-known American corporate donors and foundations are also discussed. The conference underscores the benefits of philanthropy to the company and local society, as well as to the international community, and offers advice about how to fund and carry out better, more effective programs.
Contents
- Foreword
- Session I: Corporate Philanthropy Present and Future
- Issues and Trends in Corporate Philanthropy: The American Experience
- James A. Joseph, President, Council on Foundations
- The Role of Private Foundations in Japan
- Yujiro Hayashi, Executive Director, Toyota Foundation
- Corporate Giving in Japan and Keidanren’s Role
- Natsuaki Fusano, Managing Director, Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations)
- Discussion Summary
- Session II: Management of Corporate Philanthropy
- Bridging Corporate Culture and Community Needs
- Mark A. Vermillion, Manager, Apple Computer Corporate Grants, Apple Computer, Inc.
- Improving Corporate Philanthropy in Japan
- Nobuaki Mochizuki, Executive Director, Nippon Life Insurance Foundation
- Foundation Management under Difficult Circumstances
- Donald S. Rickerd, President, Donner Canadian Foundation
- Types of Corporate Giving in Japan
- Tatsuo Ohta, General Manager, Trust Department, Mitsui & Banking Co., Ltd.
- Discussion Summary
- Session III: Priorities of International Philanthropy
- Goals and Priorities of International Philanthropy in Developing Nations
- Bienvenido A. Tan, Jr., President, Philippine Business for Social Progress
- Contribution to the Third World Development: A Company Priority
- Robert F. Longley, Senior Vice President, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
- Overseas Development and International Cooperation
- Peter F. Geithner, Program Officer in Charge of Developing Country Programs, Ford Foundation
- The Need for Professional Assistance and Tax Exemption for Japanese International Philanthropy
- Saburo Okita, Former Foreign Minister; President, International University of Japan
- Role of Japanese Philanthropy in Creating a Healthy International Environment
- Soedjatmoko, Rector, United Nations University
- Human Development and International Research Cooperation for the 21st Century
- Atsushi Shimokobe, President, National Institute for Research Advancement
- Role of Private Foundations in Internationalization: Lessons from Europe
- Laurens Jan Brinkhorst, Head, Delegation of the Commission of the European Communities in Japan
- Discussion Summary
- Appendices