The Ohdake Foundation is a public-interest corporation that upholds the ideal of "Peace on Earth." It researches issues such as population and food problems, which it sees as connected to the causes of war, and environmental and energy problems that threaten the survival of humankind, and it also exchanges information with and supports individuals, NGOs and NPOs in Japan and abroad.
As a pioneer among foundations supporting NGO and NPO activities in Japan, it incorporated its activities in 1972 and was authorized as a public-interest corporation. Following the enforcement of the public-interest corporation reform laws, it moved in April 2013 to its present form as a general incorporated foundation.
Among its concrete programs are grants for NPOs that share its aims and work to solve social problems; applications are accepted at any time. It also holds events such as documentary screenings and publishes a monthly newsletter, "Chikyugo no Kiki Newsletter" (issue 547 in September 2026).
Key points
- Its activities were incorporated in 1972, making it a pioneer among NGO and NPO support foundations
- Grants for NPOs working on social problems, with applications accepted at any time
- Film screenings and a monthly newsletter that bring global issues to citizens
Why this organization deserves attention
Its distinguishing feature is that it has carried out two roles, research and support for citizen activities, for more than half a century. By backing NPOs on the ground through grants, it serves as a foundation for solving social issues.
Through its newsletter and screenings, it opens opportunities to encounter a wide range of themes, from gender to the return of former child soldiers to society. It is a useful resource not only for people involved in NGOs but also for anyone who wants to think about global issues up close.
Editor's comment
The work of NGOs and NPOs continues not only through effort on the ground but also thanks to those who support it with funding and information. The Ohdake Foundation feels like one that has long played that behind-the-scenes role.
The official website lets you read event information and the newsletter freely. If a screening on a theme that interests you is coming up, why not go along?