Canon announces Canon Institute for Global Studies, Canon Foundation

In a bid to get to the root of the failing economy, Canon  today announced the setting up of the Canon Institute for Global Studies and the Canon Foundation at Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, to commemorate its 70th anniversary in 2007.

Japan is not an exception to the worldwide economic slowdown and increasing uncertainty regarding the economy, with changes in its governing structure, an ageing population coupled with a declining birth rate, and problems involving social security.

On a global scale, as emerging countries continue to develop, the world faces many daunting problems that have never before been experienced, including food and environmental crises. To find solutions to these problems, not only are national-level responses important, but also the assumption of a multifaceted and active role based on the broad collective wisdom of mankind.

The Canon Institute for Global Studies, upon carefully assessing the future directions of Japan and the rest of the world, will investigate, analyse, and provide information from a global perspective on the challenges that stand in the way of progress.

The Canon Institute for Global Studies has invited as its president former Governor of the Bank of Japan Toshihiko Fukui to apply his knowledge toward the leadership of the Institute in its investigation and research activities in such areas as the macro economy; natural resources, energy and the environment; and foreign diplomacy and defense.

The Canon Foundation will initially foster leading-edge research in the areas of science and technology. Under the leadership of Canon Inc. Adviser Toshiaki Ikoma, it will provide support for basic, pioneering and creative research to contribute to the development of industry, as well as for research themes targeting solutions to a variety of problems facing society.