The Kamenori Foundation aims to foster friendly relations and mutual understanding through exchange between the youth of Japan and the youths of other countries in Asia and Oceania. We are also committed to nurturing future leaders who can work as bridges between countries.
The ultimate goal of us is to nurture future leaders who can build a link between peoples of different cultures. The Kamenori Foundation supports grassroots programs for young people in Japan and other countries in Asia and Oceania, providing opportunities to experience and understand different cultures, ideas, and customs. These programs are principally foreign exchange programs for high school students, Japanese language education and culture awareness training, and financial support for non-governmental youth exchange programs.

It is said that having even just one friend in a foreign land can stop the instigation of war, as you would have an interest in that country. This would then enable you to learn from them about their society and culture. The Kamenori Foundation was established to stimulate mutual understanding through exchange programs for individuals during the most impressionable and curious stage of life.
It is encouraging to know that a surprising number of individuals and organizations are actively working in various fields that help Asian nations co-exist. The Kamenori Foundation wishes to instigate a global network of mutual understanding, starting with Japan, Asia, and Oceania We would greatly appreciate your support of our long-lasting commitment.

The Kamenori Foundation was established under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in April 2006. The foundation was named after the late Kamenori Yasumoto, the founder of Kyoritsu Building Co., Ltd.
Kamenori Yasumoto was born in Cheju Island, Korea, and relocated to Japan in 1927 at the age of eighteen. He started a rubber business and later founded Kyoritsu Building Co., Ltd., a rental apartment business.
Kamenori’s second son, Kenmori, succeeded Kyoritsu Building Co., Ltd. And expanded business to Hong Kong and Australia.
While working in Hong Kong and Australia, Kenmori became deeply interested in the countries of Asia and Oceania.
Kenmori was concerned that the anti-Japan sentiment he witnessed in Asia, compounded by a lack of understanding in Japan about Asia and Oceania, would have a negative effect on friendly relations in Asia and the world.
To help overcome this, he established a foundation to enable cross-cultural exchange between Japan and other countries in Asia and Oceania. “Let’s work together to build mutual understanding and interest in our Asian neighbors.” He named this foundation after his father, Kamenori, who had always wished young people to learn about unfamiliar cultures.

I. Intercultural Exchange

• High school exchange program
• Scholarships for foreign university students
• Lectures and symposiums for cross-cultural understanding

II. Awards

• The Kamenori Awards for those who contribute to grassroots cross-cultural exchange

III. Financial Support

• Education of Japanese and other Asian languages
• Support for mutual understanding programs
• Research and education for cross-cultural understanding

Name : The Kamenori Foundation
Establishment : April,2006
Board Chairperson : Saburo Takeuchi
Address : #103, Kyoritu Kojimachi Bldg.
5-5, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, JAPAN
Tel: 81-3-3234-1694  Fax: 81-3-3234-1603
Email: info@kamenori.jp