After World War II, philanthropy played a critical but often overlooked role in driving the dramatic change in perceptions and values that enabled two bitter foes, Japan and the United States, to become the closest of allies. Using extensive archival research and interviews, JCIE conducted a major study that examined the long-term impact of foundations and individual philanthropists, mainly in the United States but also including some in Japan, on the bilateral relationship.
As part of this project, leaders and analysts in the fields of philanthropy and US-Japan relations gathered in a series of workshops in the United States and Japan to share their experiences and discuss the impact of philanthropy on various aspects of the bilateral relationship. The fourth workshop was held on July 12–13, 2003, at JCIE’s offices in Tokyo. The project team gathered to discuss the drafts and outlines of the results of their research on the various aspects of philanthropic involvement in the US-Japan relationship during the period of 1945–1975. The discussions focused on strategies for the final phase of archival research, interviews, and writing.
July 12
Session I
The Role of Philanthropy and Civil Society in U.S. Foreign Relations
Akira Iriye, Charles Warren Professor of American History, Harvard University
The Evolution of Japan-U.S. Intellectual Exchange
Makoto Iokibe, Professor, Kobe University; Harvard-Yenching Institute Coordinate Researcher
Session II
The Legacy of Japanese Philanthropists and the Role of Japanese Corporate Philanthropy
Masato Kimura, Director of Research, RYUMONSHA (Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation)
Hideko Katsumata, Managing Director and Executive Secretary, JCIE/Japan
Foundation Support for Institution-Building in Japan
Jun Wada, Chief Program Officer, JCIE/Japan; Professor, Kanda University of International Studies
Seiko Ihara, Assistant Program Officer, JCIE/Japan
July 13
Session III
Foundation Support for Grassroots Exchange
Toshihiro Menju, Senior Program Officer, JCIE/Japan
Foundation Support for American Studies in Japan
James Gannon, Executive Director, JCIE/USA
Foundation Support for Japanese Studies in the United States
Kim Gould Ashizawa, Senior Associate, JCIE/USA
Session IV: Introduction of Overview Chapter
Kim Gould Ashizawa, Senior Associate, JCIE/USA
(Research Coordinator)
James Gannon, Executive Director, JCIE/USA
Seiko Ihara, Assistant Program Officer, JCIE/Japan
Makoto Iokibe, Professor, Kobe University; Harvard-Yenching Institute Coordinate Researcher
Akira Iriye, Charles Warren Professor of American History, Harvard University
Hideko Katsumata, Managing Director and Executive Secretary, JCIE/Japan
Masato Kimura, Director of Research, RYUMONSHA (Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation)
Toshihiro Menju, Senior Program Officer, JCIE/Japan
Masahide Shibusawa, President, Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation
Jun Wada, Chief Program Officer, JCIE/Japan; Professor and Director of the Intercultural Communication Institute, Kanda University of International Studies
Tadashi Yamamoto, President, JCIE
(Research Director)
