ABOUT IHJ
The International House of Japan envisions itself as a “Hub of intellectual exchange in the Asia-Pacific region”. Guided by this vision, its mission is to “Contribute to building a free, open, and sustainable future through intellectual dialogue, policy research, and cultural exchange around the world”.
The Four Pillars of the Program
A Hub of Knowledge Where Research
and Dialogue Converge
— Toward a Free, Open, and Sustainable Future
The International House of Japan (I-House) spans four intellectual domains—International Relations, Area Studies, and Geopolitics; Social Systems, Governance, and Innovation; Civilizational Studies and Philosophy; and Art and Design—and works across these fields to foster the creation and sharing of public knowledge in the Asia-Pacific region.
With policy research and intellectual dialogue at its core, I-House cultivates spaces where diverse actors intersect, fostering next-generation leaders and promoting meaningful exchange. Through international conferences and dialogue platforms, it builds open and collaborative partnerships as a partner to leading research institutions and intellectual communities around the world.
At the same time, in the field of art and design, I-House nurtures an environment where diverse sensibilities and values can coexist through creative practice and artistic expression. As a hub of intellectual exchange connecting the region and the world, I-House is committed to advancing forward-looking and sustainable programs for the future.
Chronology
- 1951 Cultural Center Preparatory Committee organized
- 1952 International House of Japan officially incorporated Kabayama Aisuke became the first Chairman of the International House (passed away in October 1953)
- 1953 Visit by Mrs. Eleanor D. Roosevelt
- 1954 Visit by Dr. Walter Gropius, architect
- 1955 First international conference hosted by I-House
- 1957 Special Lecture by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
- 1962 Tenth Anniversary Dinner of I-House
- 1973 Twentieth Anniversary Round-Table Conference of Asian Intellectuals
- 1978 Launch of the first international exchange program at I-House
- 2007 I-House–Shochiku Grand Kabuki Performance commemorating the 120th anniversary of Tenran Kabuki
- 2008 Nitobe Kokusai Juku started
- 2016 Architalk started; establishment of the Silicon Valley–Japan Platform (SVJP) by the Asia Pacific Initiative (API) in collaboration with the U.S.–Japan Council
- 2019 Establishment of the Policy Entrepreneur’s Platform (PEP) at API
- 2020 Matsumoto Samata Fellowship started
- 2022 Merger with API; launch of the 70th Anniversary Program of I-House; establishment of the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG)
- 2024 I-House Cultural Lobby started; establishment of the Takano Fellowship and the LEAP Fellowship
- 2025 The Secretariat of the Asia Pacific Committee of the Trilateral Commission transferred to I-House
Connections with the World
Since its founding, I-House has carried out programs aimed at promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the international community through cultural exchange and intellectual collaboration. Following its merger with the Asia Pacific Initiative (API), a general incorporated association, it has expanded its activities beyond cultural exchange to further strengthen diverse forms of engagement through policy research and professional exchange.
A defining feature of I-House’s programs is their breadth, encompassing fields that range from international relations to art and design. Particularly amid growing instability in the international order, the importance of policy research continues to rise.
As divisions deepen, connections fostered through intellectual dialogue and cultural exchange become ever more essential.
Managing Director・API President
Ken Jimbo