When the Nature Conservancy's Lori Forman addressed the College Women's Association of Japan at a luncheon earlier this year, the topic was supposed to be nongovernmental organizations in Japan. But instead of providing a nuanced description of Japan's not-for-profit movement, Forman seemed more interested in showcasing her own employer, a leading U.S. environmental NGO. The subtext was clear: U.S. nonprofits are reliable and worthy targets for donors; Japanese groups are a risky proposition at best.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, Japan is light-years behind the U.S. when it comes to waking up to the necessity and value of nonprofit organizations. Yes, U.S. nonprofits are sophisticated, well-established and thriving, a vital link in the policy process, while most Japanese groups struggle for manpower and funds, and remain fringe players in the policy debate.
But Forman was missing the point. Given Japan's history and political culture, the fact that a nonprofit movement is starting to be taken seriously at all is remarkable. And foreign residents and corporations -- with their long experience overseas -- could do much to steer and encourage Japan's nascent not-for-profit movement.