The Clark Center for Japanese Art was formed to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and educate the public about works of fine art. While the arts of no country are excluded, the Center's primary focus will be the arts of Japan. Through these means it hopes to further understanding of the culture of Japan and foster friendship between Japan and the U.S.A.

Connoisseurship, defined as concern for the visual power, aesthetic quality and authenticity of works of art as recognized through the highest standards of judgement and taste, shall infuse all activities of the Center, and shall be the determining factor for deliberations and decisions by the Center's Board of Directors. Using the study and exhibition of its collection as one catalyst, the Center seeks specifically to encourage and increase recognition of the aesthetic delight which connoisseurship of works of art can provide, and to promote consideration of the inter-relationships of great works regardless of their origins in time or place. Other academic issues regarding works of art are not the concern of the Center.