How He Began
Houston, Texas
With U.S. President George H.W. Bush during the charity event
Following the global success of Shin Koyamada's Hollywood blockbuster film "The Last Samurai," Koyamada embarked on philanthropic endeavors in 2004, starting locally in Los Angeles. His initial volunteer work involved empowering kids through martial arts in the After-School program at a local Boys & Girls Club.
After achieving a second global success with his Disney Channel Original Movie "Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior" in 2006, Koyamada expanded his philanthropic efforts to Texas and across the United States. Actively involved, he supported a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through Karate in middle schools across Houston. Simultaneously, Koyamada sustained his commitment to backing a diverse array of nonprofits nationwide, fostering Japan-United States friendships through engaging cross-cultural activities. Additionally, he remained dedicated to supporting martial arts-related organizations and events, amplifying his impact in both the local and international community.
In 2008, Koyamada, alongside his wife, established the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF) in Los Angeles. The foundation's inaugural activity involved providing beverages and clothing to homeless individuals in Downtown Los Angeles. This marked the beginning of KIF's impactful journey toward improving lives and fostering community well-being.
Koyamada International Foundation (KIF)
The Koyamada International Foundation (KIF) is a dynamic global NGO founded in 2008 by Shin Koyamada and Nia Lyte in Los Angeles. Our mission is to improve lives by empowering global youth and women to reach their full potential and providing humanitarian aid for global peace and sustainable development. With chapters in nine countries across Africa, South America, North America, and Asia, KIF oversees impactful programs, including the flagship "Guardian Girls." Together, we're committed to creating a brighter and more equitable future through collaboration and compassionate action. OFFICIAL SITE →
Guardian Girls International (GGI)
Guardian Girls International (GGI), founded in 2019, empowers women and girls to combat Gender-Based Violence through sports and martial arts training. Our flagship Guardian Girls program operates globally, with impactful projects executed in collaboration with international sports federations, governments, NGOs, and United Nations agencies. GGI envisions a world where women and girls possess the self-agency to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. OFFICIAL SITE →
Philanthropic Organizations
| Country | Organization | Type | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Koyamada International Foundation | International NGO | Board Chairman | 2008 |
| USA | Guardian Girls International | International NGO | Board Chairman | 2019 |
| USA | Anaheim University | Private University | Advisor, Akio Morita School of Business Advisor, Akira Kurosawa School of Film |
2021 |
| USA | Sister City International of Southern California | Nonprofit | Board of Governors | 2018 |
| USA | Japan-America Society of Southern California | Nonprofit | Special Ambassador | 2010 |
| USA | San Jose-Okayama Sister City Association | Nonprofit | Honorary Advisor | 2022 |
| USA | National Cherry Blossom Festival | Nonprofit | Honorary Marshal, Parade | 2010, 2019 |
| USA | FBI Los Angeles Citizen Academy Alumni Association | Nonprofit | Member | 2021 |
| USA | Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) | Union | Member | 2002 |
| USA | Sister Cities International | Nonprofit | Executive Committee, Board of Directors | 2017-2020 |
| Japan | U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) | Binational advisory panel | Member, Subnational Diplomacy Working Group | 2023 |
| Japan | City of Kyoto | Local government | Kyoto Tourism Ambassador | 2011 |
| Japan | Japan-U.S. Sister City Association (JUSSCA) | Nonprofit | Founder & Chairman | 2021 |
| Japan | Koyamada International Foundation Japan (KIF Japan) | Nonprofit | Board Chairman | 2011 |
| Japan | All Japan Karate Federation (JKF) | Nonprofit | 2020 Tokyo Olympics Karate Ambassador | 2016-2021 |
| Mongolia | Mongolia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Government | Cultural Envoy | 2022-2023 |
| Spain | World Karate Federation | International Sports Federation | Ambassador | 2022 |
