Non-profit organisations in Japan: Charity at home | The Economist

Non-profit organisations in Japan: Charity at home | The Economist: "The disaster brought about a surge of volunteerism in Japan, as did the Kobe earthquake in 1995. Around 480,000 volunteers from non-profit organisations (NPOs as they are known) streamed into the Tohoku region. Yet the figure might have been higher had the government not advised people to keep away and made life hard for those relief organisations that showed up anyway.

Japan has long been uneasy about non-profit organisations. It lacks a tradition of private philanthropy. Support for the needy is often expected to come from the family. Officials tend to regard NPOs as meddlesome amateurs."

Justin Bieber Auctions Off Japan Meet-and-Greet Session for Charity

Justin Bieber Auctions Off Japan Meet-and-Greet Session for Charity: "He is now using his trip to the Far East to raise money for the Pencils of Promise organization, which helps fund schools in the poorest parts of the world, by auctioning off a meet-and-greet session with four fans at his show at The Budakan venue in Tokyo on May 19."

Japanese Companies Continue to Spend More than 400 Million Yen Each for Philanthropy Despite the Economic Recession | Japan for Sustainability

Japanese Companies Continue to Spend More than 400 Million Yen Each for Philanthropy Despite the Economic Recession | Japan for Sustainability: "Japanese Companies Continue to Spend More than 400 Million Yen Each for Philanthropy Despite the Economic Recession

The Committee on Corporate Philanthropy and the One Percent Club of the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) announced the results of a survey on philanthropic activities in FY2009 on October 19, 2010. According to the survey, total expenditures for philanthropic activities by the 348 responding companies in FY2009 were 153.3 billion yen (about U.S.$ 1.8 billion). The average per company was 441 million yen (about U.S.$ 5.3 million), down 5.2 percent from previous year, but above the 400 million yen level (U.S.$ 4.8 to 6 billion) for the fourth straight year despite the severe economic conditions."

YOMIURI INTL COOPERATION PRIZE / Corporate Japan's philanthropic pioneer : National : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)

YOMIURI INTL COOPERATION PRIZE / Corporate Japan's philanthropic pioneer : National : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri): "This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Association for Corporate Support of the Arts. The events it has hosted include an international corporate philanthropy conference attended by delegates from 27 countries, a Japan-U.S. corporate philanthropy summit meeting, a Japan-France summit of the same kind and a symposium for promoting arts and cultural activities."

[Viewpoint] Better to give than receive - INSIDE JoongAng Daily

[Viewpoint] Better to give than receive - INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "ome ask me why we need to help needy people in foreign countries when there are still many among us who require care and aid.

When I get such a question, I respond, “Why shouldn’t we help out poor people in other countries?”

We are the people of the world’s 13th largest economy. In November, we will chair a summit of the leading 20 developing and emerging countries. And we have become the 24th member of the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee, a donor club among developed countries devoted to helping poor countries."

Tax breaks for donations to NPOs | The Japan Times Online

Tax breaks for donations to NPOs | The Japan Times Online: "Tax breaks for donations to NPOs

Since the nonprofit organization law went into effect 1998, certified nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have been active in various areas, including welfare, art, culture and education, which the government sector does not and cannot cover. But many of them are financially weak."

Arts Organization of the Month: Japan Fundraising Association (JFRA) | Performing Arts Network Japan

Arts Organization of the Month: Japan Fundraising Association (JFRA) | Performing Arts Network Japan: "Arts Organization of the Month Arts Organization of the Month

2009.12.4
Japan Fundraising Association (JFRA)
Established in February of 2009, the Japan Fundraising Association (JFRA; President: Tsutomu Hotta, President of Sawayaka Welfare Foundation) is a non-profit organization dedicated to a founding vision of innovating Japan’s philanthropic culture. It was formed through the joint efforts of organizations engaged in arts and culture, welfare and community development, such as C’s (Society for Creation of a System for Support Civil Activities) and representatives of businesses that are particularly active in corporate philanthropy. With the aim of creating an environment that makes it easier to donators to make donations and the fundraisers of nonprofit organizations to find sources of funding, the Association publishes a periodical titled Fundraising Journal, and provides now-how through seminars and the like, while also presenting policy proposals concerning taxation of donations, promoting education concerning philanthropy and certifying fundraisers. The membership of the Association presently stands at 580."

FT.com / Companies / Airlines - New JAL chief to take a philosophical view

FT.com / Companies / Airlines - New JAL chief to take a philosophical view: "Last year Forbes magazine ranked Mr Inamori Japan’s 31st richest man, with a fortune of $700m. Much of his wealth has been diverted to philanthropy: his Inamori Foundation bankrolls, among other things, the Kyoto Prize – which is actually three annual prizes, worth Y50m each, in basic science, technology and arts and philosophy."

When will poverty ever go away?

When will poverty ever go away?: "Business and social responsibility

You do need an advanced degree in economics to come up with a complex mathematical equation that spells out the relationship between corporate income and philanthropy.

Which is what a Japanese economics professor, whose name now escapes me, did in 1991 when he delivered a lecture before a group of Japanese and Filipinos on board a “Peace Boat” from Kobe to Manila. I didn’t quite understand what the professor’s mathematical equation meant then, but he did impress upon everyone that corporations do improve their profitability levels with increased exposure in development undertakings and charitable and humanitarian concerns"

Japan's Carnegie belatedly honored | The Japan Times Online

Japan's Carnegie belatedly honored | The Japan Times Online: "Japan's Carnegie belatedly honored

KITAKYUSHU (Kyodo) Keitaro Sato, a prewar coal tycoon who donated the bulk of his vast fortune to charities, has finally been honored as a local hero in the city of Kitakyushu, where he made his name."

Misia changes with charity | The Japan Times Online

Misia changes with charity | The Japan Times Online: "Misia, who has seen all eight of her gospel-influenced pop albums hit the top three since her 2.5 million-selling 1998 debut, inspired the creation of the Child Africa organization after getting involved in various fundraising activities in 2002. Aimed at supporting education and creating sustainable societies, Misia has visited Kenya, Malawi and Mali to raise awareness and offer support."

Philanthropy awards share the positive spirit of movie great Chaplin - The Mainichi Daily News

Philanthropy awards share the positive spirit of movie great Chaplin - The Mainichi Daily News: "On the first day of the last month of this year, when the cold winds of depression were blowing hard, an awards ceremony was held in Tokyo. It is the 'Machikado Philanthropist Award' ('machikado' meaning a street corner) by the Japan Philanthropic Association, to recognize those who have made donations that played a positive role in society."

AFP > Research & Statistics | AFP research > New AFP-Funded Research Compares U.S., Japanese Fundraising

AFP > Research & Statistics | AFP research > New AFP-Funded Research Compares U.S., Japanese Fundraising: "New AFP-Funded Research Compares U.S., Japanese Fundraising

(Jan. 28, 2008) A new study examines the extraordinary growth in the Japanese charitable sector, what fundraising methods are most popular in Japan, differing views on giving and how North American fundraisers can approach Japanese donors."

Uncharitable billing for philanthropy- View Point-Today's Features-Opinion-The Economic Times

Uncharitable billing for philanthropy- View Point-Today's Features-Opinion-The Economic Times: "t’s a contrast worth pondering over: against the backdrop of buoyant tax revenues and enduring profit growth, the extent of public-spirited contributions, largesse and generosity seems distinctly lacklustre. It’s one of the great puzzles in our economic life. And more so, now that India has more billionaires and the very wealthy than most other nations, Japan included."

More Aussies are millionaires | NEWS.com.au Business

More Aussies are millionaires | NEWS.com.au Business: "More Aussies are millionaires By Teresa Ooi October 19, 2007 07:20am Article from: The Australian Font size: + - Send this article: Print Email THE ranks of Australia's millionaires swelled by 10.3 per cent to 161,000 last year, with them amassing a fortune of $US510 billion ($570.1 billion). Their fortune was the third highest in the Asia-Pacific region after Japan at $US3.7 trillion and China at $US1.7 trillion. Almost half of Australia's millionaires made their money by owning businesses or selling them. About 16 per cent racked up their dollars on the buoyant stock market. Only 13 per cent inherited their wealth."

Looking on the bright side | The Japan Times Online

Looking on the bright side | The Japan Times Online: "Media reports on nonprofit, nongovernment organizations in Japan tend to focus on the difficulties and challenges they face — not only the major problems the groups were set up to tackle, but also issues all NGOs have to deal with on a daily basis, such as public apathy, ignorance, and donor fatigue.
But what about the good news? Public awareness and understanding of the work we do has grown; NGOs are working together more than ever; and nonprofit groups are becoming more professional as more opportunities open up for workers to train and develop the skills that groups really need."

Volunteering: How to start making a difference this fall | The Japan Times Online

Volunteering: How to start making a difference this fall | The Japan Times Online: "Volunteering: How to start making a difference this fall By SARAJEAN ROSSITTO First in a two-part series I get e-mails on a regular basis from people wanting to do volunteer or professional work with nonprofit and/or nongovernmental organizations here in Japan. Many find themselves at a loss about how to start. I am often asked three basic questions: How can I meet people at nonprofits helping those in need? Are there any events in English? And what types of organizations are out there?"

Help wanted from the richest | The Japan Times Online

Help wanted from the richest | The Japan Times Online: "The U.S. has a tradition of public philanthropy. Ever since the 19th century, there have been outstanding businessmen, who having made their millions (and now billions) have devoted their wealth to good causes. Philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie and the Rockefellers have been succeeded by successful businessmen, such as Bill Gates, who have established charitable foundations that make significant contributions to good causes. There have also been a number in Britain, such as Lord Nuffield and the Sainsbury family, who have by their donations used their wealth for the public good."

Mitsui to donate 50 million yen to Brazilian schools in Japan : National : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)

Mitsui to donate 50 million yen to Brazilian schools in Japan : National : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri): "'Visiting Brazilian schools, we became aware that we needed to fund more schools rather than just a select few for a long period because there are so many in need,' said Toshio Shibasaki, Mitsui's senior philanthropy specialist. Since establishing a subsidiary in Brazil in 1938, Mitsui has imported metals and foods. Because the firm's investments in Brazil as well as imports from the nation are expected to grow in the future, the firm decided to help the Brazilian schools struggling financially to educate the children of Brazilian workers."

Saipan Tribune

Saipan Tribune: "ll that philanthropic effort Binsol tried to execute-from the first mile (Japan) to the last mile (the Philippines)-using her computer. She never forgot thanking 50 Filipino donors from seven countries through the website of Binsol's cyber nonprofit group Tulong Pinoy Movement, www.tpmovers.org.

Binsol won't be clicking her mouse anymore: the 36-year-old died in Japan recently"