The Japan Society
Analysis
The Japan Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in August 1997, 29 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 03371038). It says it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations and provides human resources.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Japan Society reported income of £664k and spending of £570k, spending 86% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £381k to £664k (+74%), an average of +15% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2025, when income rose by 27%. Over the whole period it spent 101% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, The Japan Society sits at the 93rd percentile: it is larger than about 93% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 92nd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include English Pen (£663k), Swedenborg Society (£664k) and The Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (£662k).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 82%, trading 4.7% and investments 1.5%. Charitable activities took 94% of spending and raising funds 3.0%. Reserves of £590k would cover about 12 months of spending at that rate. It employed 10 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 82%
- Trading 4.7%
- Investments 1.5%
- Other 12%
In the charity's own words
Educational and cultural activities to enhance the relationship between the UK and Japan. We provide resources and advice to schools teaching about Japan or wishing to make long-term links with schools in Japan. A small grants scheme enables educational and grassroots organisations to put on Japan-related programmes. We also have a wide ranging programme of events for members and non-members alike
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| English Pen | London | £663k |
| Swedenborg Society | London | £664k |
| The Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne | Newcastle Upon Tyne | £662k |
| Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust Limited | Morecambe | £666k |