About 94 percent of Japanese-based companies doing business in the U.S. who responded to a recent survey have some type of corporate philanthropy program in place.

The latest survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization indicates all but six percent of the companies responding had some type of corporate philanthropy program. This is a leap from the average of 80 percent of responding companies during the two most recent surveys. Cash donations are their main type of charitable activity, according to the survey conducted by Japan's export trade group.

The survey also indicated the companies surveyed are giving more emphasis to volunteer activities by their employees. More companies with volunteer programs are providing information about specific community needs to their employees, and many firms are creating a volunteer-coordinator position.

Thirty-two percent of the 2,499 Japanese-affiliated firms contacted responded to the survey. The trade organization conducts the survey every two years.