2001-2010 | The Nippon Foundation

May2001

Yohei Sasakawa Named WHO Leprosy Elimination Ambassador

Yohei Sasakawa, President of The Nippon Foundation, is appointed the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination in May. He will also be appointed the Japanese Government Goodwill Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by Leprosy in 2007. The two positions take him around the globe to participate in initiatives designed to eliminate leprosy and end discrimination against those affected by this curable disease.

Photo of women affected by leprosy sewing

January2004

Groundbreaking Program Launched to Provide Primary Health for Mongolian Nomads through the use of Transportable Medicine Boxes

A project to distribute medicine boxes gets underway in Mongolia in January. The kits, which contain traditional medications made from local plants, are placed in two thousand households and replenished during regular visits made by project staff. The system, modeled on a setup in Toyama Prefecture, proves to be a success and is subsequently adopted in Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries.

June2004

Traditional Structures Restored as Community Centers

A Foundation grant transforms a 70-year-old residence in Shiga Prefecture into the Borderless Art Museum No-Ma, which opens in June 2004. This project is followed by support for other projects to restore old residences and convert them into community structures.

Photo of entrance to Borderless Art Museum No-Ma

July2005

January2006

Beginning of Annual Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Human Rights of People Affected by Leprosy.

In January, in response to a call by The Nippon Foundation, a Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination Against People Affected by Leprosy is issued in New Delhi, India by 12 world leaders, including five Nobel Peace Prize laureates. The appeal is subsequently issued each year with endorsements from leaders across various sectors.

February2007

Foundational Role in Establishing the First Tokyo Marathon. Continued by Providing Volunteer Support.

The first Tokyo Marathon is held in February. The world-class event allows both able-bodied and disabled athletes to compete, fulfilling a longstanding dream held by Ayako Sono, former chairwoman of The Nippon Foundation. Nearly 300 volunteer leaders train at the Sasakawa Sports Foundation and assist at the inaugural event.

Photo of volunteer leaders at the Tokyo Marathon

April2008

Establishes the Japan – China Sasakawa Medical Fellowship to Provide Chinese Medical Personnel with Training at Top Japanese Medical Facilities

Establishes the Japan – China Sasakawa Medical Fellowship, through which 100 Chinese medical personnel per year are provided with the opportunity to undergo internships at Japanese hospitals, thus raising the level of medical care in China.

September2010

Large-scale Research on the Future of the Oceans

The Foundation launches a $13-million, nine-year research program with the University of British Columbia to study the future of the world’s oceans and to monitor the impact of human activities on seafood resources.
See Considering the Future of the World’s Oceans for more.

Group photo of research program participants

History