After Social Innovation Japan’s recent social entrepreneur gathering in the heart of Tokyo, Noriko Saito gave i-genius her quick reflection on the event.

Editor: When did you first hear about i-genius? And why did you join the community?
Noriko: I received an e-mail from a team member of i-genius. He joined our seminar and we talked about social enterprises and the role of internediary organizations.

Editor: How long have you been working with Social Innovation Japan? And what does SIJ do?
Noriko: I have been working for SIJ from Apri 2006, so 2.5 years.

SIJ as an intermediary organization does:

– Annual Gathering, SIJ Salon, Online Communication (mail news and
online magazines) for information exchange and networking
– Business Seminars and Award Project for cultivation of human resources
– Assistance to and incubation of social business and CSR activities
– Matching diverse players and Promotion of social innovation
Please find details at http://www.socialinnovationjapan.org/c000011/

Editor: How do you feel the SIJ’s recent event went? And what were the positive outcomes and feedbacks?
Noriko: We had approximately 360 participants for the Social Entrepreneur Gathering. Many of them pointed out that the “Matching Table”, where CSR people and social entrepreneurs set up booths and did presentations, was a good networking opportunity.  In fact, some social entrepreneurs have developed new projects as a jump start on social movements. We hope this event enriches and accelerates social business and social activities in Japan.

Editor: Thank You Noriko!