Governance
Arigatou International is a registered general non-profit corporation in Japan whose mission is to build a better world for children.
It was established in 1990 as the Arigatou Foundation by the Japanese Buddhist organization, Myochikai. In 2012, the name was changed to Arigatou International, accompanying its formal incorporation as a non-profit organization.
Arigatou International is governed by a Board of Councilors and a Board of Directors, in accordance with Japanese law. The Chairman of the Board of Directors is Rev. Kenichiro Saito. The organization’s overall operations are directed by President of Arigatou International, Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Councilors. The organization’s day-to-day functioning is managed by a Secretary-General, who reports to the President.
The Board of Directors meets twice annually to deliberate upon and approve budgets and work programs, as well as other matters affecting the organization as a whole.
Budget and other operational proposals are formulated by the Secretary General, and presented to the Board by the President. The fiscal year of the organization is from April 1 to March 31.
Arigatou International is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and maintains offices in Geneva, Switzerland; Nairobi, Kenya; and New York, USA. Each office outside Japan is overseen by a director, who is appointed by and reports directly to the President of Arigatou International.
Arigatou International's four global initiatives are led by these directors:
Global Network of Religions for Children (Nairobi)
Dr. Mustafa Yusuf Ali
Secretary-General, GNRC, and Director, Arigatou International – Nairobi
Ethics Education for Children (Geneva)
Ms. Maria Lucia Uribe
Director, Ethics Education for Children, and Director, Arigatou International – Geneva
Prayer and Action for Children (New York)
Ms. Rebecca Rios-Kohn
Director, Prayer, and Action for Children, and Director, Arigatou International – New York
Interfaith Initiative to End Child Poverty (Nairobi)
Rev. Fred Nyabera
Director, Interfaith Initiative to End Child Poverty
The bulk of Arigatou International’s funding comes from donations made by individual donors in Japan who support the organization’s mission.
The work of the organization around the world is also supported by many volunteers, by in-kind and financial contributions from project collaborators, and by occasional project- or partnership-based grants obtained from foundations or other institutional donors.
Arigatou International works closely with a number of key collaborators.
Arigatou International convenes an Advisory Group meeting every year. The Advisory Group makes strategic recommendations to the President of Arigatou International.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our work.
