The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 by special legislation in the Japanese Diet and became an Independent Administrative Institution in October 2003. The mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.

The Japan Foundation activities, aiming comprehensive and effective development of its international cultural exchange programs, consist of following three major categories:

1) Arts & Cultural Exchange
2) Japanese-Language Education Overseas
3) Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange

 

The Foundation maintains its headquarters in Tokyo and operates through a network of 21 overseas offices in 20 countries worldwide.

 

The New York office provides support for Japanese Studies, exchange of performing arts, and assistance for media-related projects such as film or video productions. Since the public’s interest in Japan and the level of understanding differs by region in the United States, the cooperation of diplomatic establishments in each area is essential. The New York office collects information from committees and councils, as well as from specialists in relevant fields, to provide assistance in providing and coordination of projects which best suits the particular local situation and needs.

 

The Japan Foundation is represented by two offices in the United States—one in New York and the other in Los Angeles.

 

The Japan Foundation, New York administers Japan Studies and Performing Arts Japan nationwide.
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles administers Japanese language education nationwide.

 

For inquiries related to Arts and Culture, or for Headquarters Activities (HQ Activities), the New York office is in charge of the 37 states east of the Rocky Mountains while the Los Angeles office is in charge of the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains.

 

 

The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, also located in New York, focuses on the promotion of intellectual exchange and mutual understanding at the regional and grassroots levels nationwide.