JIIA is a comprehensive foreign policy/security think-tank established in December 1959 at the urging of former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida and modelled on the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) and other institutions. Mr. Yoshida chaired the newly established JIIA, and the institute received strong and wide-ranging support from politicians in both ruling and opposition parties, leaders from the business community, and prominent experts from academia and media circles.

In September 1960 JIIA was authorized as an incorporated foundation affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in March 1963 it received certification as a corporate body making special contributions to the public interest, a status that made it eligible for certain tax incentives. Following amendment of the Act on General Incorporated Associations and Foundations, JIIA was certified as a public interest incorporated foundation in March 2012, and in April of that year it transitioned into the public interest incorporated foundation that it remains today.

The world has entered an era of dramatic change, making it all the more important to marshal the human resources and wisdom of government, industry and academia to address foreign policy and security issues, and to inform the world of Japan's approaches and contributions. To promote growth and development into the future for both Japan and the rest of the world, JIIA will build on its persistent research endeavors by stepping up its efforts to disseminate information worldwide through networking with research institutions and experts overseas, and by cultivating greater interest in foreign policy and security issues within Japan. Your understanding and support of JIIA's activities would be very much appreciated.

The Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), over its history of more than half a century, has put forward ideas and information analysis to experts and leading figures, among them Japanese domestic and foreign policy makers, researchers and media representatives, by conducting studies/research on Japan's foreign policy and security and by developing policy recommendations.

These activities have not only made JIIA one of Japan's leading think tanks on foreign policy and security issues, but have also given it a solid reputation internationally as the most recognized think tank in Asia. JIIA has held numerous policy dialogues and symposiums with other leading think tanks worldwide to present its research on Japan's foreign and security policies, as well as various policy recommendations.

To give Japan a greater intellectual presence globally, JIIA will continue conducting studies, undertaking research, and making recommendations connected with policy making, will publicize Japan's views to opinion leaders across the rest of the world, will provide relevant information both inside and outside Japan, and will cultivate world-class researchers in the areas of foreign policy and security.

All of JIIA's staff are fully committed to ensuring that JIIA can offer policy recommendations and information analysis to strengthen Japan's presence on the world stage and achieve peace and prosperity for both Japan and the rest of the world with an eye to the next fifty years. We ask your continued understanding and support, and we would be grateful for your frank opinions and guidance as we move forward.