In the late 1980s, in reaction to the strong yen, Japanese companies dramatically boosted their overseas investments. As a result, these companies were encountered increasing criticism in the U.S. and other markets for the investment friction they created. The CBCC was established with the full backing of Keidanren in September 1989 in an effort to solve the issues surrounding that situation, and was authorized as a "designated public-benefit organization" in June 1990. Since then, the CBCC has worked diligently to promote good relations between Japanese-affiliated companies and various stakeholders*, including their respective local communities, as "good corporate citizens".
* Stakeholders:
A "stakeholder" is defined as any individual or group who affects or is affected by a company's activities, such as shareholders, employees, consumers, corporate transaction partners, and communities. The equivalent terms "key audience" and "constituency" are also used.
| 1988 | : | The Council for Better Investment in the United States (CBIUS) was established. |
| 1989 | : | In the interest of spurring development, the CBIUS was disbanded and the Council for Better Corporate Citizenship (CBCC) was founded. |
| 1990 | : | The CBCC was authorized as a "designated public-benefit organization" under the Corporate Tax Law Enforcement Ordinance and the Income Tax Law Enforcement Ordinance. |
| 1991 -96 | : |
The CBCC dispatched missions to the United States. (6 missions to 21 states) |
| 1994 | : | The CBCC dispatched a study mission on corporate governance. |
| 1999 | : | The CBCC sponsored a symposium in New York marking the 10th anniversary of the CBCC's founding. |
| 2000 -01 | : |
The CBCC dispatched missions to Asia. (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| 2002 | : |
The CBCC sponsored the Asia Symposium in Thailand The CBCC's activities on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) were strengthened. CBCC and Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) took part in the discussion on the standard on CSR at the International Standardization Organization (ISO). |
| 2003 | : |
The CBCC dispatched a CSR mission to North America and Europe (New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Brussels, London) |
| 2004 | : | The CBCC dispatched a CSR mission to China (Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai) |
| 2005 | : |
The CBCC dispatched a CSR mission to Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Jakarta) The CBCC sponsored CSR Symposium in China (co-sponsored by China Enterprise Confederation) |
| 2006 | : | The CBCC dispatched a CSR mission to China (Guangzhou, Beijing) |
| 2007 | : |
The CBCC set up "Taskforce on GRI" (changed to "Taskforce on CSR Reporting" in 2008) The CBCC dispatched a CSR mission to Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) |
| 2008 | : | The CBCC dispatched a CSR mission to Europe (London, Amsterdam, Brussels) |