Ichiro Kabasawa is the Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, Japan’s largest private philanthropic organization, where he oversees the foundation’s global strategy and international operations. He leads major initiatives in disability inclusion, planetary health, and peacebuilding, advancing partnerships across governments, international organizations, and the private sector.

Before joining The Nippon Foundation, Kabasawa spent over two decades in international journalism at NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. He served as a senior international correspondent and editor, with postings in Washington, D.C. (as Pentagon Correspondent), Southeast Asia, and Tokyo, reporting on global security, diplomacy, and geopolitical developments.

He also contributes strategic governance as a board member for organizations, including The Valuable 500, where he champions disability inclusion in global business.