About the Foundation

Greetings from the Chairman

About Us

The foundation was established in September 1991, based on a donation from Shigeo Yokohama, the grandfather of the current president, and Yokohama Steel Co., Ltd.
Shigeo Yokohama was born in Kanazawa, and later moved to Osaka, where he founded Yokohama Steel Co., Ltd. Upon the company's stock listing, he established the foundation with the intention of contributing to the promotion of Kanazawa's traditional culture.
Since the foundation's establishment, we are deeply grateful to the members of the Board of Directors, the Council of Advisors, and all those who have been involved in the foundation’s operations, for their ongoing support, which has allowed our activities to continue to this day.

Yokohama Memorial Kanazawa Cultural Foundation

Chairman of the Board of Directors,   Takeshi Yokohama

Recently, I have come to strongly feel the importance of culture. In Japan, there are more and more foreigners and people of mixed heritage, many of whom are active in sports and entertainment. I now feel that it is not just nationality that defines someone as Japanese, but rather a person who holds a Japanese sensibility.
When I think about why this is, I believe it is because if the language, thinking, manners, and customs a person uses are Japanese, then they are seen as Japanese. In the future, I believe the term "Japanese" will refer to people who live based on Japanese culture, regardless of nationality. Culture is something that changes, but I strongly feel it is a crucial part of the foundation of a nation.
Kanazawa has long fostered a rich cultural environment and has made significant contributions to Japan’s culture.
Our foundation continues to support those who contribute to the promotion of Kanazawa's traditional culture, but maintaining cultural activities is not easy in today's difficult economic climate. Despite this challenging situation, our foundation will continue to do its best to contribute to the promotion of Kanazawa’s traditional culture. We ask for your continued understanding and support.