USJF and Stanford PACS Co-Host Private Seminar on Japan’s Soft Power and Civil Society

Written by USJF | Apr 7, 2025 5:52:26 PM

The United States-Japan Foundation (USJF), in partnership with Stanford University’s Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS), will host a seminar titled:

“Ohtani, Anime, Ramen... and firansuropii’: Japan’s Emerging Soft Power through Philanthropy—and Its Significance for the United States”
Tuesday, April 15 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)
Arrillaga Alumni Center | Stanford University

This event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, please visit: https://pacscenter.stanford.edu/event/seminar-philanthropy-in-japan/

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Following the PACS seminar, USJF will co-host a public symposium in the afternoon with Stanford's Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC): "Recalibrating U.S.-Japan Collaboration in a Time of Tumult." More information on that event can be found here: https://aparc.fsi.stanford.edu/events/recalibrating-us-japan-collaboration-time-tumult

As part of USJF’s ongoing efforts to engage transnational audiences at leading academic and policy institutions, this seminar brings together thought leaders from both sides of the Pacific for a focused, comparative conversation on civil society and social impact.

The program will feature three short presentations that frame Japan’s civil sector in historical, contemporary, and strategic terms:

David H. Slater (USJF / Sophia University) will provide historical context on the development of Japan’s civil society and nonprofit ecosystem.
Haruto Okabe (Harvard Kennedy School) will offer insights into the current landscape of social impact in Japan, including emerging trends and challenges.
Jake M. Schlesinger (USJF) will present the Foundation’s strategic vision for strengthening Japan’s nonprofit infrastructure and enhancing U.S.-Japan collaboration at this critical moment of opportunity.

Following the presentations, participants will be invited into a stimulating, off-the-record discussion aimed at brainstorming possible directions for the sector—both domestically and through trans-Pacific partnerships.

“Philanthropy and social impact are fast becoming part of Japan’s soft power toolkit, and we want to make sure the right questions are being asked,” said USJF President and CEO Jacob Schlesinger. “This is a rare opportunity to bring together a room of thoughtful practitioners and scholars to think through where Japan’s civil society is headed, and what role the U.S.-Japan relationship can play,”

The event is part of USJF’s broader strategy to support innovation in Japan’s social sector and to convene critical conversations at institutions shaping global policy and public life.

Media Inquiries:
United States-Japan Foundation: info@us-jf.org

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