[I-House Press] International House of Japan: Cultural Bridge Between East and West

This photo book provides an overview of the International House’s history of cultural exchange and intellectual cooperation from its dawn in 1952 to the present day. With over 300 images chronologically documenting various significant moments of cross-border dialogue between East and West, it illustrates the House’s pioneering role in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other countries via dynamic intellectual exchange. A short essay chronicles how a personal encounter between John D. Rockefeller Ⅲ and Matsumoto Shigeharu, both of whom had already realized the importance of the cultural dimension within international affairs, developed, thereby leading to the establishment of the International House of Japan. As a good example of cross-border cooperation, this also serves to remind us of the important role of the private sector in intellectual exchange.