Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 9 Section 2 3

In recent years companies and other private-sector organizations have begun to support artistic and cultural activities. This trend reflects the growing public interest in culture and the increasing motivation of business corporations toward philanthropy.

The government has responded to this trend by implementing favorable taxation measures for donations to encourage increased private-sector support for artistic and cultural activities. In February 1994 the government granted special public interest corporation status to the Association for Corporate Support of the Arts, which coordinates the efforts of companies that provide support for artistic and cultural activities and awards grants funded by companies.

The stagnation of the Japanese economy over the past few years has raised fears of a decline in the support provided by companies and other private-sector organizations for artistic and cultural activities. It appears that support for the arts and culture has become an established part of corporate life in Japan, however, as evidenced by the fact that a growing number of companies are establishing departments to provide organized support. It is important for companies to provide long-term support for artistic and cultural activities according to their own corporate ideals. The government needs to encourage the use of favorable taxation measures and to improve the environment for private-sector support for the arts through efforts in such areas as the training of art management personnel to support creative activities in companies, artistic groups, and other organizations.