Seismic isolation and ‘Build Back Better’: Bringing Japan’s architectural technology and ideas to the world through ODA

JICA’s international cooperation activities bring together experts from diverse fields, both within and beyond the organization, all driven by a strong sense of purpose. The series “People tackling global challenges” highlights their stories, exploring their journeys and aspirations for the future. This time, we spoke with Wong Kuok Hung, senior advisor of the Architecture Department at Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. (OC Global), who has been involved in numerous projects in the field of building technology under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Sharing lessons with the world: 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Japan is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. While many lives have been lost to earthquakes, tsunamis, and severe weather, Japan has continually learned from these experiences and developed knowledge and technologies to protect people’s lives, society, and the economy. JICA is working to apply these lessons in developing countries. Fifteen years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, this report highlights JICA’s ongoing efforts.

How agricultural skills learned in Zambia revitalized tea farms in Shizuoka

Kakegawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s leading tea-producing regions. While local tea farms have been facing a serious threat to their survival, young people from the Tokyo metropolitan area and travelers from overseas are now visiting the area. Behind this trend lies what one young man learned from agriculture in Zambia.

Women shaping the future of peace: From the front lines of WPS

In many parts of the world, conflicts and disasters are occurring in succession, heightening the risk of women facing various forms of disadvantage. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) not only provides relief to such women as “victims,” but also positions them as “agents of peacebuilding,” pursuing a range of cooperation under the principles of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, Hirose Megumi, senior director of JICA’s Office for Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction, and journalist Hamada Keiko sat down to discuss the WPS agenda and related issues.

Japanese technology contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction four years into invasion 

February 2026 marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Although there is little indication that the fighting will end, infrastructure restoration and reconstruction efforts are underway in non-combat areas. JICA has been contributing to Ukraine's recovery through its support of Japanese companies possessing advanced technology in their efforts to enter the Ukrainian market. This is a report on these projects.