irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $1.47MTHE LANGUAGE CENTER: (SEE SCHEDULE O)
- #2 $1.41MPERFORMING ARTS: (SEE SCHEDULE O)
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Business & Policy Forum
Hosts public and private programs convening leaders and emerging professionals to discuss U.S.-Japan relations, economic trends, and policy issues, fostering dialogue through the concept of kizuna (togetherness).
Culture & Community
Offers lectures, workshops, tastings, and experiential events exploring traditional and contemporary Japanese arts, including anime, food, fashion, music, and film, aimed at diverse audiences in NYC.
Language Center
Provides Japanese language instruction for learners of all levels, promoting linguistic and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan.
Performing Arts
Presents traditional and contemporary Japanese theater, dance, opera, and music performances, commissions new works, and produces international tours.
U.S.-Japan Emerging Leaders Initiative
Fosters leadership development among young professionals in the U.S.-Japan space through networking, mentorship, and policy engagement opportunities.
activities · 11 groups
What they do
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Digital Communications and Content Management 1 activity
- Conducting media and marketing outreachBuilds awareness of Japan Society and its programs through print, radio, social media, blogs, video sharing, webcasting, and online forums.
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Curated Art Exhibitions and Public Displays 1 activity
- Exhibiting Japanese artOperates a gallery for the exhibition of Japanese art from prehistory to the present, offering virtual and in-person K-12 tours led by museum educators, and provides free admission on the first Friday of each month and discounted/free entry for SNAP/EBT cardholders through Museums for All and Culture Pass programs.
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Cultural Exchange and Community Integration Events 1 activity
- Facilitating public engagement through special eventsHosts diverse public events including book signings, panel discussions, author talks, wine and sake tastings, sports viewings, and pop-up art showcases to connect audiences with Japanese culture, literature, cuisine, and design.
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Film Festival and Screening Programming 1 activity
- Hosting film programs and festivalsHosts year-round screenings of Japanese cinema, including classics, restorations, and new releases, and organizes JAPAN CUTS, the largest festival of new Japanese film in North America, through the Japan Film Center.
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Leadership & Policy Dialogue Forums 1 activity
- Hosting public forums on U.S.-Japan relationsHosts public and invitation-only programs, conferences, lectures, and symposia for business and policy leaders to discuss U.S.-Japan relations in regional and global contexts, including annual events attended by approximately 700 executives.
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East Asian Language and Cultural Education 1 activity
- Japanese language instruction and cultural educationProvides 13 levels of Japanese language instruction and culture classes year-round through a dedicated language center, supports language exchange events, and offers online and in-person educational resources for students and educators.
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Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
- Operating event and conference spaceProvides event space in midtown Manhattan for conferences, receptions, film screenings, workshops, and special events, including high-profile gatherings such as an annual dinner for 700 business and diplomatic leaders.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Organizing cultural workshops and festivalsHosts art and culture workshops, traditional Japanese festivals, and experiential events such as tea ceremonies, woodcarving, culinary programs, and tastings to engage families and the public in Japanese traditions.
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Traditional & Cultural Performing Arts 1 activity
- Presenting and commissioning Japanese performing artsCommissions non-Japanese and Japanese artists to create works on Japanese themes and presents traditional and contemporary Japanese performances in music, dance, theater, opera, and other forms, including tours and new productions.
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Volunteer-Supported Arts & Cultural Operations 1 activity
- Providing event and program support servicesOffers volunteer-supported front-of-house, gallery attendance, administrative, logistical, and visitor services for programs, events, exhibitions, and film screenings, including ushering, reception, data entry, and research.
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U.S.-Japan Cultural and Educational Exchange 1 activity
- Supporting international exchange and educational outreachOffers student exchange programs, school workshops, educator professional development, and online resources to promote interest in Japan, and supports international exchanges in arts, culture, business, and education between the U.S. and Japan.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$14.89M
Contributions & grants$6.03M41%
Program service revenue$2.05M14%
Investment income$5.27M35%
Other revenue$1.54M
expenses
Total expenses$14.03M
Program expenses62%
Admin / overhead27%
Fundraising12%
Salaries & benefits$8.65M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$84.51M
Cash$2.84M
Investments$75.43M
Liabilities$1.25M
Net assets$83.26M
Liquid reserves66.9 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +18.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 7
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOSHUA W WALKER | PRESIDENT & CEO | 40 | $610K |
| LISA BERMUDEZ | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | 40 | $347K |
| GREGORY CORSICO | VICE PRES OF DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $310K |
| TOMOKO OKUNO | SR DIR BUS & POLICY FORUM (FORMER) | 40 | $213K |
| YOKO SHIOYA | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR | 40 | $211K |
| MICHELE BAMBLING | SR DIR, GALLERY | 40 | $198K |
| KIMBERLY WOODWARD | SR DIR, OPERATIONS | 40 | $172K |
board members · 18
- AKIRA YAMAMOTO — DIRECTOR
- ALAN S MACDONALD — DIRECTOR
- ARIEL J DECKELBAUM — DIRECTOR
- BRADLEY EDMISTER — DIRECTOR
- CAROL GLUCK — DIRECTOR
- DANIEL SIMKOWITZ — DIRECTOR (FROM 3/2025)
- DAVID SNODDY — DIRECTOR
- DONALD J TOUMEY — DIRECTOR
- DOUGLAS L PETERSON — VICE CHAIR
- ERI KAKUTA — DIRECTOR
- GARY KOZLOWSKI — DIRECTOR
- GARY M TALARICO — DIRECTOR
- GARY MORIWAKI — DIRECTOR
- GERALD L CURTIS — DIRECTOR
- HIROFUMI OTSUKA — VICE CHAIR
- HIROSHI KAWANO — DIRECTOR (FROM 6/2025)
- JAMES KONDO — DIRECTOR (FROM 10/2024)
- JAMES NASH — DIRECTOR (TO 3/2025)
relationships · 44
Who they work with
- Ainu Partner — Collaborates on the Ainu Summer Festival to share Ainu stories, culture, and traditions.
- Anime NYC Partner — Provides generous support for Japan Society's film programs.
- Carnegie Hall Partner — Commemorated the Carnegie Hall debut of the NieR:Orchestra Concert with a related art showcase and pop-up event.
- Citi Government — Recognized as a Global Leader supporting Japan Society’s Business & Policy Forum programs.
- Corporate Members Partner — Organization that qualifies for space rental privileges at Japan Society
- Culture Pass Network — Accepts Culture Pass for free admission, providing access to NYC public library cardholders.
- Daikin Partner — Collaborates with Japan Society on a leadership dialogue about AI in global education and workforce development.
- Dassai Blue Partner — Co-hosted a seven-course sake dinner at Hakubai, Prince Kitano Hotel.
- Deloitte Government — Corporate Partner providing support for Japan Society’s Business & Policy Forum.
- Freeman Winery Partner — Hosted a talk and wine tasting highlighting connections between the U.S. and Japan through winemaking.
- Hotsuki Family Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for Japan Society’s arts and culture programs.
- Japan Airlines Partner — Provides transportation assistance as the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.
- John D. Rockefeller 3rd Government — Provided stewardship from 1952 to 1978, leading to a unified vision and revitalized mission.
- John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund Funder — Provides endowment support for classic Japanese film screenings.
- Kinokuniya Bookstore Partner — Co-hosted a book signing and meet-and-greet with author Abby Denson.
- Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund Funder — Provides endowment support for Japan Society Film programs.
- MONKEY New Writing from Japan Partner — Partnered on a panel and bilingual readings celebrating Japanese psychological horror literature.
- MUFG Bank, Ltd. Funder — Supports Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives as a Champion Sponsor.
- MUFG Bank, Ltd. Government — Champion Sponsor of Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs.
- MarieBelle New York Partner — Co-hosted an event featuring a conversation between its founder and Dassai Chairman Hiroshi Sakurai.
- Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) Funder — Supports Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives as a Friend Sponsor.
- Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) Government — Friend Sponsor of Japan Society’s 120th anniversary programs.
- Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. Funder — Supports Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives as a Friend Sponsor.
- Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. Government — Friend Sponsor supporting Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives.
- Mizuho Americas Funder — Supports Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives as an Advocate Sponsor.
- Mizuho Americas Government — Advocate Sponsor and supporter of Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs.
- Museums for All Network — Participates in the Museums for All program to offer reduced-cost access to low-income visitors.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Provides public funds for Japan Society’s arts and culture programs in partnership with the City Council.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Provides public funding for Japan Society’s arts and culture programs.
- Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association Partner — Collaborated on a workshop introducing Ainu woodcarving customs.
+ 14 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Cultural Exchange Through Commissioned Artmethodology: cultural_exchange_through_commissioningBy commissioning non-Japanese artists to create work on Japanese themes, we produce broader cultural interpretation and cross-cultural dialogue, because external perspectives deepen mutual understanding and challenge monolithic narratives.
- Experiential Cultural Learningmethodology: experiential_cultural_learningBy engaging diverse communities in art workshops and traditional festivals, we produce deeper cultural understanding, because direct participation fosters authentic connection more effectively than passive observation.
- Integrated Cultural Engagementmethodology: cultural_integrationBy integrating arts, language, business, and society into a unified framework, we produce more comprehensive understanding of Japan, because multidimensional exposure breaks down siloed perceptions and fosters holistic literacy.
- Relational Bonding Through Kizunamethodology: kizunaBy using kizuna—deep human connections—as a foundational principle, we produce sustained U.S.-Japan engagement, because relational trust enables more meaningful cultural and leadership collaboration than transactional interactions.