Nakasone Peace Institute (NPI) was founded in June 1988 by former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone for research and study, international exchange, and other activities conducive to examining critical issues facing the world and Japan.
The Institute pursues an ambitious research program that covers the fields of international politics, economics, security, energy, and the environment. The research staff, mostly seconded from various Japanese government ministries and businesses for a period of two years, conduct research activities and present policy proposals based on their findings that addresses present and future global trends. Visiting research fellows from the US, Europe, and Asia pursue their own research projects for varying lengths of time and participate in NPI activities while in the Institute.
NPI holds regular seminars and symposiums in Tokyo on important political and economic issues, inviting noted scholars and distinguished speakers from throughout the world. There are also a number of joint projects conducted with other research institutes, such as The Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA) in London or the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the US. As of November 1997, IIPS began running the Japan National Committee of the London based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
NPI is based in Tokyo and is funded entirely from private sources. Operating funds are drawn from the basic endowment and corporate membership fees.