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The public-private fund "Overseas Demand Development Support Organization" (Cool Japan Organization), which supports private initiatives promoting Japan's unique appeal globally through investments and other means, was established. Its opening ceremony was held on November 25 at Academy Hills 49 in Roppongi, Tokyo. The organization received 30 billion yen in government funding, plus 7.5 billion yen from 15 private companies including Dentsu Inc. It aims to enhance Japan's brand power, economic growth, and industrial competitiveness by investing in establishing overseas demand acquisition bases, developing distribution networks, and creating opportunities for creators and designers supporting regional manufacturing.
The opening ceremony began with a fashion presentation by the brand "mina perhonen," led by globally acclaimed designer Akira Minagawa, showcasing textiles that utilize the characteristics and techniques of textile-producing regions across Japan.
Next to take the stage, Nobuyuki Ota, President of the Cool Japan Organization, expressed his enthusiasm: "Mr. Minagawa fuses traditional techniques with a designer's sensibility and shares this with the world. This is precisely the Cool Japan business we aim for. We are establishing platforms worldwide for information dissemination. We want participating companies to earn solid profits as a business." He emphasized the determination to support and nurture Cool Japan initiatives with the medium-to-long-term stance unique to a public-private fund.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi, who gave a speech as a guest, introduced the Cool Japan Organization's logo featuring an origami "J". He expressed his hopes, stating, "Just like origami, Japan is overflowing with wonderful things unique to Japan—content, fashion, housing, hospitality, regional industries, tourism—all nurtured within our history and culture. I hope you will spread Japan's charm, folded like origami, to other countries using this very origami-certified origami."
Government officials including Akira Amari, Minister for Economic Revitalization, representatives from investor companies, and ambassadors from various countries attended the ceremony. They celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting and commemorative photos.
Private investors in the Cool Japan Organization
ANA Holdings
H2O Retailing
Shoko Chukin Bank
Dai-Nichi Co., Ltd. Printing
Daiwa Securities Group Inc.
Takashimaya
Dentsu Inc.
Toppan Printing
Hakuhodo DY Group
Pasona Group
Bandai Namco Holdings
Mizuho Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
Mitsukoshi Isetan Holdings
LIXIL Group
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