Japan Society (New York)
Encyclopedia
Founded in 1907, Japan Society is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that aims to brings the people of Japan
and the United States
closer together through understanding, appreciation and cooperation. Society programs offer opportunities to experience Japanese culture; to foster sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan and East Asia; and to improve access to information on Japan. The major producer of high-quality content on Japan for the United States, Japan Society presents over 100 events annually in the performing and visual arts, business and policy sectors, and education fields.
With performances, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, conferences, courses, seminars, symposia and workshops, year-round programming occurs at Japan Society's landmark building located in Manhattan near the United Nations
. Designed by Junzō Yoshimura
as the first building in New York of modern Japanese architecture and opened in 1971, the elegant structure with its distinctive facade features a three-story indoor bamboo water garden, a 262-seat theater, art gallery, library, conference and administration facilities, and the world renowned Toyota Language Center.
and conducted an annual gala dinner.
Due to war, the Society was out of business from 1941 to 1952.
With a major contribution from John D. Rockefeller 3rd
the Society built Japan House and during the 1970s and 1980s expanded to include exhibitions, performances of traditional and classical Japanese dance and music, film series, a language program, and a lecture series.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
closer together through understanding, appreciation and cooperation. Society programs offer opportunities to experience Japanese culture; to foster sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan and East Asia; and to improve access to information on Japan. The major producer of high-quality content on Japan for the United States, Japan Society presents over 100 events annually in the performing and visual arts, business and policy sectors, and education fields.
With performances, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, conferences, courses, seminars, symposia and workshops, year-round programming occurs at Japan Society's landmark building located in Manhattan near the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
. Designed by Junzō Yoshimura
Junzo Yoshimura
was a Japanese architect.- Early career:In December 1928, whilst a student at Tokyo's Fine Arts College, Yoshimura began part-time work at Antonin Raymond's office, becoming full time after he graduated in 1931...
as the first building in New York of modern Japanese architecture and opened in 1971, the elegant structure with its distinctive facade features a three-story indoor bamboo water garden, a 262-seat theater, art gallery, library, conference and administration facilities, and the world renowned Toyota Language Center.
Mission
"The Japan Society’s long range objective is to help bring the people of the United States and of Japan closer together in their appreciation and understanding of each other and each other’s way of life. It is our hope that a vigorous Japan Society can be of real benefit by functioning as a private, non-political organization interested in serving as a medium through which both our peoples can learn from the experiences and the accomplishments of the other."History
Since being founded in the spring of 1907, Japan Society's growth has paralleled the development of both Japan and the United States into global powers. One of the pioneers of cultural exchange in the early 20th century, Japan Society was created in a time when few Americans knew anything about Japan. The Society cooperated with other internationalist orginizations including the Carnegie Endowment for International PeaceCarnegie Endowment for International Peace
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a foreign-policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. The organization describes itself as being dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States...
and conducted an annual gala dinner.
Due to war, the Society was out of business from 1941 to 1952.
With a major contribution from John D. Rockefeller 3rd
John D. Rockefeller 3rd
John Davison Rockefeller 3rd was a major philanthropist and third-generation member of the prominent Rockefeller family. He was the eldest son of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, and the grandson of John D. Rockefeller...
the Society built Japan House and during the 1970s and 1980s expanded to include exhibitions, performances of traditional and classical Japanese dance and music, film series, a language program, and a lecture series.