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About
The Japan Society is a leading U.S.-based nonprofit organization headquartered in New York City, dedicated to fostering relations between the United States and Japan through a wide array of cultural, educational, business, policy, and media programs. Established in May 1907 during a visit by Japanese naval heroes Vice Admiral Goro Ijuin and General Baron Tamemoto Kuroki to New York, the Society was founded by international lawyer Lindsay Russell and quickly grew to 100 members on its first day. Over the years, it has evolved into North America's primary producer of high-quality content on Japan for English-speaking audiences, presenting over 100 events annually across its Corporate, Education, Film, Gallery, Lectures, Performing Arts, and Innovators Network programs. The organization operates facilities including a library, art gallery, and theater, and receives substantial funding from Japanese governmental and corporate sources, enabling initiatives like sponsoring trips to Japan, publishing books, and advocating for improved Japan-related education in the U.S. Since its inception, the Japan Society has navigated historical relocations, occupying nine different locations before settling into its current headquarters, Japan House, designed by Japanese modernist architect Junzo Yoshimura and opened in September 1971 near the United Nations. This building was landmarked in March 2011. The Society maintains a nonpolitical stance while promoting mutual understanding, hosting notable events such as receptions for Japanese dignitaries like Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda in 1962 and Emperor Hirohito in 1971 (in collaboration with UK counterparts, though distinct). It continues to bridge Japanese arts, language, business, and society with global audiences, including recent collaborations like Anime NYC and events featuring acclaimed directors such as Shinichiro Watanabe. An institutional relationship exists with Miriam Horn as a fellow, underscoring its role in intellectual and cultural exchange networks.