In the past, Shojiro had strong connections with the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo in Kitanomaru Daikancho (present Takebashi in Tokyo).

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo opened in Kyobashi, Tokyo in 1952. But as it was located in a limited space in an old business building, it was scheduled to move, around 1964, to a new venue. The proposed site for the new building of the museum was a state-owned land in Kitanomaru Daikan-cho. However, a previously convened Cabinet meeting had laid a prohibition upon the site against the building of any facilities thereupon.

Located in a splendid natural setting however, the site was ideal for the purpose of art appreciation. It was also easily accessible to the public via the mass transit system. There was strong consensus that there could not be a more appropriate place than the site for exhibiting both Japanese and foreign modern art to visitors from all over Japan as well as to international visitors from abroad.

Upon careful consideration, Shojiro made the following generous offer:

"Should the proposal to construct a new building for the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo on the site be accepted, I will build a new building for the museum and donate it to the nation."

After weighing the full import of the proposal, the then Minister of Justice finally approved and accepted the proposal.

Construction work began in 1969. Designed by TANIGUCHI Yoshiro, a doctor of engineering, the new building of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, was highly appreciated in and around Japan as a monument to Shojiro's dedication, philanthropy and role in the conception of this museum.

Two years after the Bridgestone Museum of Art's,(formerly the Bridgestone Gallery)opening, Shojiro set about preparing for the establishment of the Ishibashi Foundation in 1954, for the purpose of accomplishing two objectives.

The first of his two objectives was to ensure the continued development of the museums, to prevent the collection from being dispersed and lost and to forever preserve mankind's cultural legacy.

The second objective was, by the establishment of a foundation, to secure and develop in perpetuity his private contributions and donations to society into more organized activities.

Kanichiro, the eldest son of Shojiro, recalled:

"Around 1954, I was consulted by my father regarding his wish to establish a foundation and donate all works of art in the museum to it. I realized that he wanted to ask my opinion as an heir before donating the greater part of his fortune. I told my father that I sincerely supported his plan because such a great collection should be developed and bequeathed permanently to society. Being satisfied and delighted with my reply, my father began to carry out the plan."

In 1956, Shojiro established the Ishibashi Foundation by contributing capital, donating property and art assets and became its first director. However, it was not until 1961, some five years after the establishment of the foundation, that the transfer of the art collection was successfully completed. With such large amounts of donations being unprecedented, the long lapse of time was required for the proper valuation and examination of the vast number of pieces of fine Japanese and foreign works of art.

The establishment of the foundation represented for Shojiro Ishibashi the actualisation of his philosophy to return profits to the general public.

FOR THE WELFARE AND HAPPINESS OF ALL MANKIND

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ISHIBASHI Shojiro

The following persons have supported the establishment of the Ishibashi Foundation and have freely participated in the first board of directors and auditors:

HATOYAMA Ichiro, DAN Ino, MAKINO Ryozo,ISHII Mitsujiro,NODA Shunsaku,MORI Sozaburo,KIMISHIMA Takeo,KASHIMA Goro, ISHIMA Kanichiro,NARUMO Shuichi,GO Yasuhiro.

The following honors were conferred upon Shojiro for his achievements and contribution to the general public:

In 1958 The Medal with Blue Ribbon
In 1964 The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star
In 1969 A pair of Silver Cups
In 1976 The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure