Nabeshima Hōkōkai

Nabeshima Hōkōkai (鍋島報效会) is a Japanese public interest incorporated foundation (公益財団法人) established on August 20, 1940, by Marquis Nabeshima Naomitsu, the twelfth head of the Saga Nabeshima family. The foundation was created to manage the Chōkokan museum, which the Nabeshima family had already founded, and to provide grants for the preservation of local historic sites and the legacies of notable local figures, as well as for educational and social welfare projects. To endow the foundation, Naomitsu contributed the greater part of the Nabeshima family's landholdings in their home region of Saga. The name "Hōkō" means to repay a debt of gratitude with effort, reflecting Naomitsu's appreciation for his home province. Since its establishment, the foundation has worked to promote and support culture and education in Saga Prefecture and to contribute to social welfare. Its main public-facing activity is the operation of the Chōkokan, a museum that houses and displays the Nabeshima family's collection of historical and artistic artifacts, including a genealogical chart of the Nabeshima family. The foundation also organizes exhibitions and provides grants (助成事業) to support historical preservation, education, and social services. The founder, Nabeshima Naomitsu, was born in 1872 in Tokyo, studied at Cambridge University, and served in the House of Peers before his death in 1943. The foundation continues to be active in Saga, maintaining the Chōkokan and carrying out its philanthropic mission.

The Nabeshima Hōkōkai was established on August 20, 1940, by Marquis Nabeshima Naomitsu, the twelfth head of the Saga Nabeshima family. The foundation was created to manage the Chōkokan museum, which the Nabeshima family had already established, and to provide grants for the preservation of local historic sites and the legacies of notable local figures, as well as for educational and social welfare projects. To fund the foundation, Naomitsu contributed the greater part of the Nabeshima family's landholdings in Saga. The name "Hōkō" means to repay a debt of gratitude with effort, reflecting Naomitsu's appreciation for his home province. Since its establishment, the foundation has worked to promote and support culture and education in Saga Prefecture and to contribute to social welfare. The founder, Nabeshima Naomitsu, was born on July 17, 1872, in Tokyo, studied at Cambridge University, and served in the House of Peers. He died on December 10, 1943. The foundation continues to operate the Chōkokan and carry out its philanthropic mission.

• 1940

  Foundation established on August 20 by Marquis Nabeshima Naomitsu.

• 1940

  Chōkokan museum placed under foundation management.

A family-founded philanthropic foundation preserving the cultural heritage of the Saga Nabeshima clan and supporting local community development.

• Chōkokan Museum

  Museum housing the Nabeshima family collection, including a genealogical chart and historical artifacts.

• Grant programs

  Grants for historic site preservation, education, and social welfare.

1. 1鍋島報效会 公益財団法人鍋島報效会 徴古館nabeshima.or.jp
2. 2Nabeshima Hōkōkai - Wikidatawikidata.org