Governance and Civil Society in Japan
In the fall of 1996, JCIE began a multifaceted, long-term study and dialogue project on the theme of “Globalization, Governance, and Civil Society.” The overall objective of the project was to explore the role of civil society in improving domestic as well as international governance and to explore ways of strengthening civil society in Japan and abroad.
Governance for a New Century: Japanese Challenges, American Experience
In 1998, JCIE and the Brookings Institution launched a comparative study of the patterns of governance in Japan and the United States based on the premise that they face many similar challenges in this arena. The final papers from this project were published in English in May 2002.
Guidance for Governance: Comparing Alternative Sources of Public Policy Advice
Beginning in 1999, JCIE and the Brookings Institution initiated a comparative assessment of the state of alternative sources of policy advice in eight democratic countries. Drafts of the papers were presented and discussed at a workshop held in Tokyo on May 28, 2000, as well as during one of the sessions at the Global ThinkNet Conference, held in May 2000.
India-Japan Policy Dialogue
The India-Japan Policy Dialogue was held on February 11–12, 2000, in New Delhi. Over 30 prominent researchers and leaders gathered to examine the future of India-Japan relations. Discussions focused on the domestic political and economic situations in each country; emerging global security scenarios; and ways to bolster India-Japan cooperation in the economic, trade, and cultural fields.
International Cooperation by Local Governments in Europe
This project involved interviews with local and national government institutions in five European countries to ascertain the state of cooperation between local governments and NPOs in promoting cooperation with developing countries, the relationship between local governments and government funding agencies, and the ODA strategy toward local governments.
International Philanthropy Project
JCIE’s International Philanthropy Project was launched in 1974 because of a need JCIE recognized for Japan to develop truly nonprofit and nongovernmental institutions in order to become a constructive member of the international community.
Israel-Japan Intellectual Exchange Program
From 1993 to 2004, JCIE carried out a bilateral intellectual exchange program with Israel to examine pressing concerns of mutual concern to the two countries.
Japan-United States Economic Relations Group (Wisemen’s Group)
This group of eight leading private citizens was charged with the task of examining the factors affecting long-term bilateral economic relations between the United States and Japan. JCIE was asked to serve as the Japanese secretariat, with JCIE Director Tadashi Yamamoto as an executive director of the group.
JCIE/USA Executive Seminars
JCIE/USA held a series of executive seminars for the US-Japan business community in New York. Drawing on our extensive network of experts from the political and scholarly communities, these lively discussions provided unique perspectives and an interactive environment for our invited guests. A new series of executive programs has subsequently been launched.
Joint Research Project: Promoting University-Based Lectures and Research on Civil Society
In 2003, a preliminary survey of US university research centers focusing on civil society was conducted, followed by a workshop in Tokyo on January 22, 2004. At the workshop, scholars, practitioners, and other individuals from the university sphere and civil society sector discussed issues and questions to be addressed in the research.