Established in 1972 by special legislation in the Japanese Diet, the Japan Foundation became an Independent Administrative Institution in October 2003. The mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.

The Japan Foundation activities, aiming comprehensive and effective development of its international cultural exchange programs, consist of following three major categories:

1) Arts & Cultural Exchange
2) Japanese-Language Education Overseas
3) Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange  

The Foundation maintains its headquarters in Tokyo and operates through a network of 19 overseas offices in 18 countries worldwide.