Bridging the Gap between ‘Impact First’ and ‘Finance First’: The Role of Charities and Philanthropy in Impact Investing in Japan and the US

Join us for an afternoon of panel discussions framing impact in the Japanese context and comparing it to impact in the United States. We will discuss the impact investing landscape in Japan and the potential intersections between the various players, as well as what are different portions of the sector focusing on, and what are the different approaches to impact investing.

What does an “impact first” mindset look like and what are the roles of charities and philanthropy in this context? How does this compare to a “finance first” mindset? And how can both approaches work together in service of impact?

We will also discuss some of the lessons we have learned in the United States about how charities, philanthropy, private sector and the government work together to achieve impact investing goals together.

This program is intended for those working in or interested in the impact space, whether from an “impact first,” “finance first,” or blended mindset.

The conference will be conducted in both Japanese and English, with speakers and attendees welcome to use their preferred language.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

Please note final times and speakers are still subject to change.

12:30–1:00 pm

Registration

1:00–1:05 pm | Opening Remarks
Tomer Inbar, Partner, Tax-Exempt Organizations, Morgan Lewis
Amaris Reiko White, Impact Investing Principal, Morgan Lewis

1:05–1:35 pm | Introduction: Impact Investing in Japan
Overview of the current Japanese impact investing landscape, key players, opportunities for collaboration, and the spectrum of impact investing, ranging from “impact first” to “finance first” investments.

Nao Sudo, Director, Impact Frontiers
Takahisa Watanabe, Managing Associate, Linklaters

1:35–1:45 pm
Break

1:45–2:15 pm | Overview: The Role of Charities in Impact Investing
Discussion of the role of impact investing and philanthropy, nonprofits, family offices, and foundations in Japan and the United States.

Tomer Inbar, Partner, Tax-Exempt Organizations, Morgan Lewis
Yuko Koshiba, Co-CEO, Philanthropy Advisors

2:15–2:30 pm
Break

2:30–3:00 pm | Case Study: Charities and Impact Investing
Perspectives on different approaches to impact investing in Japan.

Moderator: Tomer Inbar, Partner, Tax-Exempt Organizations, Morgan Lewis
Yuya Kato, Impact Officer, Social Innovation and Investment Foundation (SIIF)
Yujin Gen, Executive Officer and Chief Legal Officer, HERALBONY

3:00–3:15 pm
Break

3:15–4:00 pm | Overview: The Role of Government in Impact Investing
Perspectives on the role of government on impact investing in Japan, and opportunities for the future.

Taku Ohno, Deputy Director, Office for Administration of Public Interest Corporations, Cabinet Office of Japan

4:00–4:15 pm
Break

4:15–4:45 pm | Overview: Impact and Investment Funds
Discussion of legal considerations and structures enabling participation in impact investing.

Sotaro Hotta, Associate, Nishimura & Asahi
Carol Tsuchida, Partner, Investment Management, Morgan Lewis
Divya Thakur, Partner, Investment Management, Morgan Lewis

4:45–5:00 pm
Break

5:00–5:30 pm | Case Study: MUFG and GLIN Impact Capital Fund 2
Discussion of opportunities and challenges for institutional investment in impact funds.

Masato Nakamura, Partner, GLIN Impact Capital
Masanao Yagasaki, Vice President, Sustainable Finance Team, MUFG

5:30–5:35 pm | Closing Remarks
Amaris Reiko White, Impact Investing Principal, Morgan Lewis

5:35 pm
Walk to restaurant

6:00 pm
Dinner Reception

Questions?

Please contact Amaris Reiko White.