Ohtani, Anime, Ramen… “Firansoropii”: Philanthropy as Japan’s Emerging Soft Power — and Why It Matters for the U.S.

A seminar co-sponsored by The United States-Japan Foundation and Stanford PACS

As civil society in the United States faces mounting challenges, the implications extend beyond domestic borders—particularly to Japan, its closest ally in the Indo-Pacific region. While Japan’s social impact ecosystem—including donors, nonprofit actors, and intermediary institutions—has historically been underdeveloped compared to the U.S., Europe, and even other parts of Asia, it is currently undergoing a period of notable growth and experimentation.

This event invites participants to actively engage in a comparative discussion on the evolving roles of philanthropy and civil society in Japan and the United States. As part of that conversation, the United States–Japan Foundation will outline its new strategic direction aimed at strengthening Japan’s nonprofit sector and fostering more robust trans-Pacific connections in the field of social impact.

Together, we will examine the potential for Japanese civil society to play a more prominent role both domestically and regionally; assess the advantages and limitations of adapting American models; and consider what the U.S. might, in turn, learn from Japanese approaches. In an era of shifting global influence, we will also explore whether—and how—Japan might help fill the vacuum left by the U.S. retreat from certain arenas of global soft power, and what this means for future bilateral collaboration. This seminar will be followed by an afternoon public symposium exploring other aspects of the bilateral relationship — from trade and aid to DEI — as the U.S. redefines its global role.

Breakfast and refreshments will be provided.

To register for this in-person event, please complete and submit the Registration Form linked above.

Partners

The United States – Japan Foundation