Visions - Winter 2020 - 11

Above, Columbia University Professor Takatoshi Ito spoke at SCOA HQ in November of last year

the non-profit's positive effects up close. "Support for
this project is important, as it spotlights the positive
effect that a robust arts education program can have on
low-income students and families."
As a longstanding donor to Columbia University, SCOA
supports the funding of several educational initiatives
provided by the University. SCOA has played an integral
role supporting The Columbia Business School
Center on Japanese Economy and Business (CJEB).
Since its founding in 1986, SCOA has remained the
center's leading donor.
As an independent research center, CJEB leads the U.S.
in understanding Japan's place in the world economy.
Their initiatives include a Japan-focused Research Paper
Series, year-round symposiums and conferences, as well
as bringing expert scholars, government officials, and
business executives from Japan to Columbia for seminars
and lectures. They offer 10 to 15 yearly fellowships for
Below, SCOA volunteers serve as escorts for Hello Kitty at
Japan Day @ Central Park

doctoral students researching the Japanese economy, and
grants for graduate and Ph.D. students focused on the
Japanese economy and its business sectors.
The center also provides various programs that allow
SCOA colleagues to get involved. In May of 2019,
Professor David Weinstein, Director, Center on Japanese
Economy and Business at Columbia Business School,
spoke to SCOA employees at the New York Office
about trade wars. Months later, Professor Takatoshi Ito
led a similar talk in November on corporate governance.
Additionally, Professor Hugh Patrick, Chairman, Center
on Japanese Economy and Business at Columbia Business School, facilitated a group lunch aimed at young
professional development that was attended by three
SCOA employees', two Sumitomo Fellowship Ph.D.
students, and a business school student, to exchange
business practices, studies, and ideas.
While fund administrators designate specific recipients each year, the fund also provides employees with
a way to give back to the causes closest to their hearts.
Through the Employee Request for Donation Program,
employees can submit a grant application to an initiative
promoting health and social welfare, usually involving a
personal connection to the cause. Donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Happy Jack Fund Inc. all received support
in 2019 through this employee-led program.
In its dedication to sustaining cultural affairs, SCOA
Foundation continues to contribute to the annual Japan
Day @ Central Park in New York, a daylong event
officially supported by the Consulate General of Japan
in New York, the Mayor's Office, The New York City
Department of Parks and Recreation, and numerous
other American and Japanese companies to promote a
deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas

Visions - Winter 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Visions - Winter 2020