Week 4 - Shannon Trinh

Social Entrepreneurship has the ability to not only aid marginalized and disadvantaged individuals but it also helps empower citizens to do their part and to unify communities that are torn by violence, poverty, and lack of education. In its own innovative ways, it can also help groups of people to coexist with economic, racial, and social diversity and to learn how to collaborate with others. Achieving this strengthens national identity and fortifies national duty and devotion. Unity pushes development. Japan is a prime example of a nation that is developing strong social entrepreneurship. The birth of the Japan NPO (non-profit organizations) Center has led by example for twenty years because it “works to strengthen the social, political and economic support base for voluntary nonprofit organizations in Japan” (Japan NPO Center) and makes tremendous efforts to work closely with the government and private sectors to create a more tranquil, just society. Japan’s NPOs supported by this organization are intended to serve marginalized communities in Japan, such as the impoverished, oppressed, and the excluded. (Examples of some non-profits are providing more resources for farmers, providing food for hungry children, and holding numerous donation banks). Various non-profits aim to provide more resources for these communities and to promote extensive research in order to influence policy makers that deeply affect the Japanese people. It is interesting to read about the organization’s dedication to collaborating with overseas non-profits: “As globalization proceeds, we will not limit ourselves to domestic problems, but will actively participate in efforts to tackle global problems” (Japan NPO Center). It is important to note Japan’s progressive outgrowth of their traditional views of xenophobia and its movement into positive globalization. In this week’s reading “Japan’s Grand Strategic Shift from Yoshida to Koizum” the author states that “It is, thus, in the nation’s best interest to embrace the issue of diversity in a positive and welcome manner. The ability of Japanese society to coexist with other nationals and cultures is central to the preservation of national tranquility” (129). It is impossible to thrive as a people when denying outside influences and keeping resources to oneself. In order for a nation to grow and develop, they must be open to new ideas, ways of innovation, and most importantly, collaboration. Social entrepreneurship is not limited to a community or a nation, it is a universal drive that helps us understand the needs of those around us on a global scale.

Question: How can we further engage in social entrepreneurship in a way that can better international relations? 

http://www.jnpoc.ne.jp/en/who-we-are/mission-vision-values/

Tang Siew Man. “Japan’s Grand Strategic Shift from Yoshida to Koizumi: Reflections on Japan’s Strategic Focus in the 21st Century.”