Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs, or KKC) was established in 1978, at a time of mounting criticism of the corporate sector following the oil crisis years of the 1970s. To this day, the KKC has worked to publicize the views and activities of Keidanren and bring the contributions being made by Japanese companies and industries to the attention of the Japanese and international media, opinion leaders, the educational community, society at large, and other stakeholders. Through dialogue, we have sought to build and strengthen trust in the Japanese business community.

The world today is in the grip of a serious crisis. The pillars of the international order are shaking. Our system of free trade, built steadily up in the years since World War II, now stands at a critical crossroads. Environmental issues are reaching a boiling point, as well. Against this global backdrop, Japan faces complex structural challenges, including its aging population, declining birth rate, and limited natural resources and energy.

In these unstable, uncertain times, Keidanren released its “FUTURE DESIGN 2040” in December 2024 to offer a vision for overcoming the many challenges at hand. Positioning the vision as its top priority, Keidanren will work to help Japan grow as a science and technology-oriented nation and trade and investment-oriented nation, and develop as a fair, equitable, and sustainable society. It will thus steadily realize a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution.

As Keidanren takes bold action as a front-runner in addressing social issues—focusing on the five policy fields of innovation; integrated reform of the tax, fiscal, and social security systems; regional revitalization; labor reform aimed at increasing productivity; and economic diplomacy—KKC will support that initiative. The organization is determined to help spotlight Keidanren’s endeavors, show how Japanese companies and industries are contributing to society, engage in deeper dialogue with stakeholders domestically and internationally, and aid the corporate and industry communities in expanding publicity networks and enhancing publicity functions. We appreciate your continued guidance and support as we move forward with these aims.