Shiseido Co., Japan's top cosmetics company, received the Asahi Shimbun Foundation's Grand Prize on July 8 in recognition of its contribution to society.
The company allocates 3 percent of its annual profits to a variety of causes; 1 percent is devoted to cultural activities, including exhibitions held at its Shiseido Gallery.
The gallery, which opened in 1919, has hosted some 3,000 exhibitions, displaying works by more than 5,000 artists.