The International House of Japan is a private, non-profit organization incorporated, with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and other private institution and individuals, in 1952 for the purpose of promoting cultural exchange and intellectual cooperation between the peoples of Japan and those of other countries. Housed in a handsome structure built in 1955 and enlarged in 1976, it is a working international community engaged directly in a variety of programs that embody the free exchange and interaction of ideas and that strive to foster a climate favorable to international cooperation. The International House received designation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Special Corporation in the Public Interest, a status conveying special tax benefits, in November 1989. This status must be renewed every two years, and the House has been able to keep the status to date. Subsequently, contributions in Japan are deductible (excluding the first \10,000 for individuals; no exclusion for corporations) for income tax purposes.