The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) marks its 40th anniversary on September 1, 2026. In the 1980s, as globalization accelerated and international challenges grew more complex, Japan emerged as an economic power and was expected to contribute internationally in ways commensurate with its status. SPF was established on September 1, 1986, with support from The Nippon Foundation and the motorboat racing industry, to complement the government’s economic cooperation efforts and promote international exchange and cooperation from a private-sector perspective.
Over the past 40 years, SPF has carried out its work with the support of a wide range of partners both in Japan and around the world, including national and local governments, experts, universities and research institutions, nonprofit organizations, media, educational institutions, and the private sector. In commemoration of our 40th anniversary, the foundation launched a special website featuring a commemorative video and timeline that looks back on its history and outlines a vision for the future. The foundation also released “40 Voices,” a video series featuring messages from prominent figures both in Japan and abroad, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Prof. Muhammad Yunus. Additional videos in the “40 Voices” series will be released in the coming months.
Today, the international order remains unstable, while climate change, demographic shifts, and advances in artificial intelligence continue to reshape social structures. In times like these, the foundation returns to its guiding principles: going directly to the field, leveraging its expertise to address challenges with innovative solutions, and pursuing initiatives that connect people and support their growth. To pass on a better world to the next generation, the foundation remains determined to continue moving forward—never giving up on action or new challenges. Now more than ever, we look forward to the continued support of our partners in Japan and around the world.
40th Anniversary Website:
https://40th.spf.org/en/
