#Japan #Tokyo #Social Impact #KIBOW

KIBOW's Remarkable 15-Year Journey

On March 14, 2026, KIBOW, a general incorporated foundation based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, celebrates its 15th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, KIBOW has launched a special page that recounts its journey from supporting recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake to its ongoing commitment to social impact investment. This retrospective not only highlights KIBOW's achievements but also expresses gratitude to donors and supporters, while outlining future endeavors.

A Foundation Built on Adversity

Founded in response to the devastation of the 2011 disaster, KIBOW was initiated through a gathering of approximately 100 business leaders at Globis Tokyo School, who raised funds to aid disaster-stricken areas. This grassroots movement led to the establishment of a recovery project that, in 2015, transformed into a general incorporated foundation. KIBOW also created Japan’s first venture capital (VC) type social impact investment fund, known as the “KIBOW Social Investment Fund.”

Expanding its reach, KIBOW has grown into a foundation focused on balancing social issue resolution with generating economic returns. To date, they have invested in 22 startups and currently manage their third fund, boasting a size of 1 billion yen as of March 2026. Many of the invested companies are dedicated to contributing to local communities, reinforcing sustainable regional economic growth through innovative business solutions.

The KIBOW Social Investment Fund stands out as a unique model in Japan and globally, driven by a spirit of mutual support and private-sector initiatives. As fifteen years have passed since the earthquake, while infrastructure recovery in affected areas has progressed, new challenges such as the fading memories of the disaster and reduction in support have surfaced. Recognizing the significance of preparing for potential large-scale disasters like the Nankai Trough earthquake, KIBOW uses this anniversary year to reflect, express gratitude towards a diverse range of stakeholders, and disseminate the importance of recovery efforts and the potential of Japan-born social investment models to future generations.

Special Content of the 15th Anniversary Page

KIBOW's anniversary page features several engaging contents:

• - Timeline of Recovery and Investment Initiatives: A chronological overview of KIBOW's key activities, illustrating the evolution from disaster recovery support to social impact investment.
• - Interviews with Key Stakeholders: Conversations with KIBOW Leaders, investors in the social investment fund, and KIBOW’s representative director, Yoshito Hori. These interviews delve into their experiences during the disaster and the ongoing mission.
• - Support Messages from Stakeholders: Messages from directors and advisors reflect on KIBOW’s origins in recovery efforts and its continued role in social impact investment, emphasizing its significance as a “beacon of hope.”
• - Message from Yoshito Hori: Insights from Hori, reminiscing about the 15-year journey of KIBOW and the importance of supporting entrepreneurs who create hope in challenging circumstances.

KIBOW's Vision Moving Forward

Reflecting on the past 15 years, Hori emphasizes the key belief that “entrepreneurs create hope.” Despite post-disaster challenges, visionary entrepreneurs emerged, cultivating businesses and nurturing shared visions among communities. The passion and belief that “hope can be created” has seamlessly connected to KIBOW’s impact investment efforts.

KIBOW is committed to bridging the gap by providing human resources, funds, and knowledge to support entrepreneurs and disseminate the “hope” they generate across diverse territories. Hori extends heartfelt gratitude to all donors and investors who have supported KIBOW’s mission, acknowledging that their contributions have been invaluable to fulfilling these roles. Looking ahead, KIBOW aims to continue collaborating with entrepreneurs to drive impactful change across Japan.

About KIBOW and the Social Investment Fund

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, KIBOW was founded as a relief and recovery support initiative named after “Hope” and “Rainbow.” It officially became a general incorporated foundation in February 2012 and now operates beyond the disaster areas, focusing primarily on social impact investments aimed at transformative social change.

1. Event Organizing: Establishing a platform for community engagement through events that connect regional leaders and foster collaboration.
2. Fundraising: Raising approximately 1 billion yen, supported by over 1,400 contributors, which is channeled to NPOs and local leaders.
3. Social Impact Investment: Since launching the KIBOW Social Investment Fund in September 2015, it has invested approximately 1 billion yen in 22 startups.

For further inquiries, please contact:
GLOBIS Public Relations
Ryo Dobashi
E-mail: [email protected]