SPF NOW
Asia and Middle East Program
In Asia, economic growth and regional integration has accelerated the process of globalization. At the same time, inequality and inequity in the region continues, which requires greater protection and empowerment of socially vulnerable populations, including women and minorities. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains unstable due to intra-regional conflicts and strained relations with other countries. However, the region’s geopolitical importance has been reaffirmed, and the region's role in supporting global peace, stability, sustainable growth, and economic development is more important than ever. Furthermore, from a geopolitical and security perspective, it is becoming increasingly important to strengthen and develop relations between the region and Japan.
Our Approach in Asia
While shining a light on the shared history and embracing the rich diversity across Asia, we undertake field-based activities, research, information sharing, and create policy recommendations to support the development of inclusive societies where the most marginalized regions, minorities, and vulnerable populations are heard and valued. Additionally, we believe collaboration with our Asian neighbors will revitalize Japanese society as it confronts a multitude of pressing challenges. It is this conviction that drives us to build equal and fruitful partnerships with Asian nations and create networks to connect all of our citizens.
Our Approach in the Middle East
In the Middle East, we aim to contribute to the development of both societies and world peace by building mutual understanding and trust between Japan and countries in the Middle East by working with those countries to resolve global issues. We also support initiatives such as facilitating research and policy dialogues covering political, diplomatic, social, and cultural themes to advocate for increased joint collaboration with Middle Eastern countries.
We are also developing initiatives to strengthen relations with Islamic countries in Asia as part of our efforts to promote understanding of Islam in Japan.
We are also developing initiatives to strengthen relations with Islamic countries in Asia as part of our efforts to promote understanding of Islam in Japan.
News
Project List of FY2022
| Project Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Engaging Northeast India in ActEast | Third year of a three-year project |
| Enhancing Responsible Business Conduct | Third year of a three-year project |
| Dialogue and Resonance in Asia | Second year of a three-year project |
| Preserving and Sharing Histories and Memories of North East India and Asia | First year of a three-year project |
| Building Models towards Inclusive Society in Asia | First year of a five-year project |
| Research and Study on Men and Masculinities in Asia | Single-year project |
| Imphal Peace Museum Project Ⅲ | Single-year project |
| Women's Empowerent in Iran and Japan Ⅱ | Single-year project |
| Human Exchanges between Japan and the Middle Eastern Countries | First year of a three-year project |
| UK-Japan Joint Research: Foundation for Original, Team-Based Research in the Modern Middle East Phase Ⅲ. | First year of a three-year project |
| Research on Muslim in Japanese Society | First year of a three-year project |
Reports and Publications
Staff
Nobuyuki Konishi (Director)
Fumiko Okamoto (Senior Program Officer)
Yui Nakamura (Senior Program Officer)
Takahiro Yokoyama (Senior Program Officer)
Sanae Hayashi (Program Officer)
Sachiyo Ito (Program Officer)
Masako Iwashina (Program Officer)
Jinya Mizutani (Program Officer)
Ayuko Takahashi (Program Officer)
Mayuko Tanaka (Associate Program Officer)
Related Websites
This page has information about the Sasakawa Pan Asia Fund activities until FY 2017.
This page has information about the Sasakawa Middle East Islam Fund activities until FY 2017.