The National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA) is a Japanese independent policy research think tank based in Tokyo founded in 1974 under the National Institute for Research Advancement Act. It is funded through an endowment comprising capital contributions and donations from public and private sectors.
Its objective is to conduct independent research to contribute to the resolution of contemporary complex social issues in many areas, including politics, economics, international affairs, society, new technologies, and administration.
It maintains a World Directory of Think Tanks.