Foundation Overview

Foundation Overview

The Nara International Foundation －Commemorating the Silk Road Exposition－ was founded in 1989 with the purpose of utilizing the great achievements of the 1988 Nara Silk Road Exposition to establish a central organization in the promotion of international exchange programs in the prefecture. Some primary goals include facilitating international goodwill through exchange of culture and scholarship, as well as creating and promoting events in which Nara citizens may participate individually to experience cultural exchange on a personal level. A gathering place for scholars and cultural experts from both Japan and abroad, NIFS's other mission is to promote peace through international understanding and to encourage cultural tourism in the prefecture from both domestic as well as international visitors.
NIFS was founded as a third sector Public Service Corporation established in July 1989 by the Governor of Nara and with the cooperation of private companies
It received certification by the national government in March 1993 as a Special Public Corporation

Basic Concept

Opening Nara to the World - International Exchange and Grassroots Internationalization

Programs and Services

International cultural exchange and mutual understanding projects
Programs promoting regional culture and grassroots internationalization
A support network for exchange students and foreign residents who live in Nara Prefecture
Support for and cooperation with other international exchange organizations -Commission of and support for international exchange and cultural programs in Nara

Profile

Official Name: Nara International Foundation Commemorating the Silk Road Exposition (NIFS)
Established: July 11th 1989
Representative: President
President: Nara Prefecture Governor Shogo Arai