The ITO Foundation for International Education Exchange was established to realize the wishes of the late Master Shinjo Ito, founder of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order. Shinjo Ito took the decision to devote himself fully to the religious life in 1936, at the age of 30. Having mastered the Buddhist traditions and attained the rank of Great Acharya at Daigoji, head temple of the Shingon school, he established a lay Buddhist order in the city of Tachikawa, near Tokyo, Japan. The new order was based on the last teachings of the Buddha as given in the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. Shinjo passed away in 1989. Shinjo’s global outlook demonstrated a deep understanding of the need for education. During his lifetime, he supported academic research, encouraged community service, and promoted schools in developing countries. The ITO Foundation for International Education Exchange was established to fulfill Master Shinjo's wish to support young people with Integrity, Talent, and Originality (ITO). Scholarships are awarded to promote mutual understanding between Japan and other nations, with the ultimate aim of nurturing people who can contribute internationally.
