Mission Statement

（Purpose of the Foundation's Establishment）:

The ITO Foundation for International Education Exchange was established based on the wish of the late Buddhist Master Shinjo Ito, the Founder of Shinnyo-en, a Buddhist order with headquarters in Japan.
Master Shinjo Ito was born in Yamanashi Prefecture on March 28, 1906, and entered into a religious life in 1936. Shinjo trained in traditional Esoteric Buddhism at Digo-ji, the head temple of the Shingon school of Buddhism, and became a Buddhist Master. He established a Buddhist order for lay people based on the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, the last teaching of the Buddha. He passed away on July 19, 1989.
During his lifetime, Master Ito's global outlook included a deep understanding for the need of education. He supported academic research, encouraged community service, and promoted education in developing countries. He dedicated himself to nurturing people who could some day help solve the various problems of nations.
The ITO Foundation for International Education Exchange was established to undertake the will of Master Ito in supporting young people with Integrity, Talent and Originality. We give scholarships as a way to promote mutual understanding between our country and other nations and aim to nurture people who can contribute to the world.

Date of Establishment

February 28, 1991
(Incorporated as a public interest foundation : Nov. 1, 2010)

Overseeing authority

Cabinet office of Japan