On February 14, 1990, Kigyo Mécénat Kyogikai (KMK: Association for Corporate Support of the Arts) was founded by private corporations as Japan's first not-for-profit association with aims to promote corporate mécénat (support of the arts and culture). 

KMK continues to undertake efforts to promote and heighten awareness of corporate arts support building a cultural infrastructure for the encouragement and development of business and arts partnership.

As means to achieve this mission, KMK conducts a variety of programs such as research, seminars and award programs acting as an intermediary. In 1994, KMK was granted the status of "Specific Public Interest Promoting Corporation" by the Agency of Cultural Affairs. Under this status, KMK initiated the Arts Project Assistance Approval Program which provides corporations based in Japan with tax-deductible advantages upon supporting arts projects. In 2011, KMK received the status of "Public Interest Incorporated Association" by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.