General incorporated Foundation
Japan As
"Japan As" signifies the idea that Japan itself holds a unique and essential place. It reflects the spirit of carrying a noble vision, much like my great-grandfather, Hirobumi Ito, who pursued his ambitions with a strong sense of purpose.
日本は言うまでもなく素晴らしい国です。
美しい自然や節度ある心持ちが溢れ、世界に誇れる国です。
しかしながら、国と民の力がだんだん弱まってきたように思います。大きな閉塞感を持ちながら生きている人も多い事でしょう。自分たちが日本のため、そして次世代のために何かしたいという人は少なくないはずです。
義祖父・伊藤博文公は明治政府の中心人物として、新しい日本を作るために奔走しました。特に教育に関しては渋沢栄一氏らと協力して女子教育に注力し、津田梅子女史の留学を手助けするなど、尽力しました。
私も失われつつある日本の良きものを再興し次世代に継ぎたいと考えました。
世の中のいろいろな問題を解決するには「仲間」との協力が不可欠です。
いろいろな知識や知恵を集結して実現しましょう。
『Japan as Number One ジャパン・アズ・ナンバーワン』は社会学者エズラ・ヴ―ゲルが、1979年に書いた本です。経済を通して日本の美しい特性を追求しました。一般社団法人の名称であるJapan As は、日本こそが誇れる素晴らしい国であり、そういう思いを持って社会の一員として生きていく仲間のプラットフォームになる、という思いを込めました。ぜひ、ご参加ください。
一般社団法人 Japan As (イッパンシャダンホウジン ジャパン アズ) 理事長 伊藤瑛位子
Japan is, without a doubt, a wonderful country.
It is a nation brimming with beautiful nature and a sense of disciplined, mindful living, something we can proudly share with the world. However, I feel that the strength of both the country and its people has been gradually weakening. Many may be living with a deep sense of stagnation. Surely, there are not a few who wish to do something for Japan and for the next generation.
My great-grandfather, Hirobumi Ito, as a key figure in the Meiji government, worked tirelessly to build a new Japan. In particular, he focused on education, collaborating with figures such as Eiichi Shibusawa to support women’s education, notably assisting Umeko Tsuda with her overseas studies. I too have decided to revive the good aspects of Japan that are in danger of being lost and pass them on to future generations. Solving the various issues in society requires the cooperation of "like-minded companions." Let us bring together knowledge and wisdom to make this a reality.
The book Japan as Number One, written by sociologist Ezra Vogel in 1979, explores the beautiful qualities of Japan through the lens of economics. The name of our general incorporated association, "Japan As," embodies the belief that Japan is indeed a nation to be proud of, and we hope it will serve as a platform for like-minded individuals to come together and live as contributing members of society. We invite you to join us.
Chairperson of General Incorporated Association Japan As
Eiko Ito
We assist in maintaining and passing down Japan’s rich culture, nature, and valuable traditions
時代はすさまじいスピードで変わり始めました。日本文化の若い担い手は激減し、職人の技術を伝えることが難しくなりつつあります。継ぎ手がいないために朽ち果てる日本家屋や神社も増えてきました。その大切さを再考し、文化イベントを主催するなど、いろいろな方法で維持・継承を共に進めます。
Ex.
◎少人数で日本の文化を楽しむイベントや交流会を主催。
◎日本の伝統工芸品やアートを通じて日本文化を国内外に紹介し、販売につなげで、職人やアーティストを応援する。
◎2050年に日本が残すべきものと、存続させる方法を企業や教育機関と共に考えて実現する。
etc.
As the world rapidly changes, the number of young people involved in preserving Japanese culture has drastically declined, making it increasingly difficult to pass down the skills of traditional craftsmen. There is a growing number of historic Japanese homes and shrines falling into disrepair due to the lack of successors. We seek to reassess the importance of these traditions and work together to preserve and pass them on, organizing cultural events and finding other ways to continue this legacy.
Examples:
◎Organizing small-scale events and gatherings to enjoy and experience Japanese culture.
◎ Introducing traditional Japanese crafts and art to both domestic and international audiences, supporting craftsmen and artists by connecting their work to sales.
◎Collaborating with businesses and educational institutions to envision what Japan should preserve by 2050 and to find ways to ensure its continuity.
etc.
While serving as a bridge for international exchange. We aim to create and share unique value from Japan with the world
それぞれアジア諸国をはじめ、海外との強いコネクションを持っています。例えばアジアなら、インド、ベトナム、タイ、香港、台湾の財団や企業、教育機関と直接にコンタクトを取り、交流することが可能です。海外の生の現状を知り、日本発の価値あるものを生み出すためのプラットフォームになります。
Ex.
◎アジアの財団や大学と交流し、その日本の窓口となる。
◎国内外の有識者の援助を得て日本発の価値あるものを生むユニコーンを発掘する。
◎海外の良きものを日本に紹介し、日本の良きものを海外に紹介し、お互いの文化を尊重する機会を作る。
etc.
We have strong connections with various countries, particularly in Asia. For example, we maintain direct contact and engage with foundations, companies, and educational institutions in countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. This allows us to stay informed about the current international landscape and serve as a platform for creating and sharing valuable innovations from Japan.
Examples:
◎Acting as a gateway for Japan by fostering relationships with foundations and universities across Asia.
◎ Discovering and nurturing unicorns that generate valuable innovations from Japan, with the support of domestic and international experts.
◎Introducing the best of international culture to Japan and vice versa, creating opportunities for mutual respect and cultural exchange.
etc.
By providing various opportunities for children and students, we help cultivate the next generation.
子ども達や若い世代に、様々なチャンスを大人の力で。寄付講座や知識や技術の提供など、企業、個人それぞれのレベルで支えていきましょう。単に勉強だけではなく、生きる力を身につけて、自分の人生を応援してくれる大人がいて、自分がやりたいことへの応援を得られることを知ってもらいたいと思います。
Ex.
◎若い世代が、他人の大人から「生きる」ための助言を得るチャンスを生む。
◎小学生~高校生が、リスク、金融、CTIについて気軽に学べるチャンスを生む。異才を持つ子供たちの潜在能力を伸ばす。
◎自然あふれる山里で、生きる力を身につけるプログラムを提供する。
etc.
Let’s use the power of adults to create various opportunities for children and the younger generation. Through donation-based courses, sharing knowledge and skills, companies and individuals alike can support them on different levels. It’s not just about academics; we want young people to develop life skills, realize that there are adults who support their journey, and know they can receive encouragement for pursuing their dreams.
Examples:
◎ Creating opportunities for the younger generation to receive life advice from adults outside their immediate circle.
◎Offering elementary to high school students chances to easily learn about risk management, finance, and ICT, helping to nurture the potential of exceptionally talented children.
◎ Providing programs in nature-rich mountain areas that help children develop essential life skills.
etc.