In the aftermath of WWII, visionaries in Japan and the United States came together to establish a university in Japan that would educate “new leaders for a new Japan” committed to reconciliation, democracy, and human rights. The Japan ICU Foundation was incorporated in New York in 1949 to support this endeavor, and International Christian University (ICU) was founded the same year. Over 75 years later, ICU has grown into a leading university, and JICUF and ICU remain steadfast partners.
With our eyes on the future, JICUF’s mission is to nurture global citizens who contribute to the well-being of humanity. We fulfill this mission by supporting innovative educational programs at ICU and other higher education institutions in Japan. Examples include Refugee Education Japan, the SDG Projects, the Othmer Research Fellowship and the Global Citizen Fellowship.
Most Recent Articles
Alumni Stories No. 28 – Dr. Keigi Fujiwara
Born the son of the head priest in a temple in Shimane, Dr. Keigi Fujiawara studied biology at ICU and graduated in 1968. He went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and began an illustrious career as a faculty member at the Harvard Medical School, the University of Rochester, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center among others. We asked Dr. Fujiwara to write about his life, including how the heir to a Buddhist temple ended up at ICU, and built his career in the U.S.
Changes on the JICUF Board – Spring 2026
Masako Hashigami, who served on the JICUF Board for nine years, stepped down from her role at the end of March, and two new trustees, Rie Kijima and Kieran Cavanna joined the board. We thank Masako for her years of dedicated service to JICUF, and welcome Rie and Kieran.
Alumni Stories No. 27 – Dr. Masako Hashigami
This March, Masako Hashigami completed her ten years of service as a trustee on the JICUF board. She is an ICU graduate (class of 1975) who went on to earn graduate degrees from Harvard Business School and Bard Graduate School. She has had a career in finance and served on the boards of the Japan Society and the Freer and Sackler Galleries. We asked Masako to share her “ICU story.”
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