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[2 Years Since the Tonga Eruption] The People of Tonga Overcome the Double Blow of a Tsunami and COVID-19

In January 2022, a large-scale eruption of an underwater volcano occurred near Tonga. Not only did 80 percent of the population suffer damage from the resultant tsunami and ash-fall, but COVID-19, which had previously been contained, spread throughout the country, causing even more suffering. Today, two years after the double disaster, Tonga is progressing along a path of recovery and reconstruction with aid from various countries, including Japan. JICA is continuing to collaborate in strengthening Tonga’s capabilities for disaster risk reduction, something that the agency was engaged in even before the disaster. Meanwhile, three Tongan JICA training participants, who continued their studies of disaster risk reduction online despite the adversities of the volcanic eruption and COVID-19, managed to visit Japan in August 2023. They spoke of the suffering they endured, how they were able to continue their training, and their thoughts on the recovery and reconstruction back home.

Foreign Minister’s Commendations Awarding Ceremony for Returning JOCV, Attended by 70 Volunteers

[ASEAN-Japan Special 3] The Challenges of Connectivity as Seen from the Southern Economic Corridor

This is the third in a special series of articles to commemorate the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The series is meant to reflect on the trust and development that Japan and JICA have built with ASEAN and the future of their partnership. In this article, we will focus on the connectivity that is crucial for the development of ASEAN as a unified region, and its growth along with that of Japan. JICA staff and others traveled along the Southern Economic Corridor, a major economic artery that connects the countries of ASEAN, exploring the current state of connectivity and the challenges that must be addressed to strengthen it.

[ASEAN-Japan Special 2] Taking on Common Challenges! Addressing Population Aging in Thailand and Sustainable Resource Use in Malaysia

ASEAN and Japan share common challenges, including population aging and the sustainable use of resources.

[ASEAN-Japan Special 1] 50 Years of Partnership: Interview with Hayakawa Yuho of the Southeast Asia and Pacific Department

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Japan’s friendship and cooperation with the ASEAN. Hayakawa Yuho, director general of JICA’s Southeast Asia and Pacific Department, reflects on how Japan and JICA worked with ASEAN to build trust and promote growth over the past half century and offers his vision for the future of the partnership.

Increasing Employment for Persons with Disabilities—A Project in Sri Lanka Shows Steady Results

Bias and discrimination against persons with disabilities have been deeply rooted in Sri Lanka, but the attitudes toward their employment are gradually changing. One catalyst was the “Project for Promoting Employment Support of Persons with Disabilities in Sri Lanka,” started by JICA in 2021. December 3 is designated as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by the United Nations; it is an opportunity to consider the significance of JICA’s project as well as the social issues concerning employment of persons with disabilities.

[TICAD at 30] Cooperation to meet the changing needs of the times while respecting Africa’s ownership: Interview with Mr. Yanase Naoki, Director-General of JICA Africa Department

“TICAD at 30” is a series of articles that looks back on JICA's initiatives and looks forward to the future with Africa on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development). Through discussion at TICAD, JICA’s cooperation has been based on the following three pillars; i) people focused cooperation, ii) Africa’s ownership and co-creation, and iii) the utilizing of Japanese experience, to meet the challenges and needs Africa faces. In this issue, Mr. Yanase Naoki, Director-General of JICA Africa Department, explains the progress and future of JICA’s cooperation under the keywords of "peace and stability," "private sector collaboration and human resource development," and "regional integration and cooperation in Africa” with sharing his own experiences in Africa.

[COP Special 2] Protecting the Earth through Sustainable Forest Management: DRC Forest Conservation Project

COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will be held in the United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12. On the occasion of this conference, we are publishing a two-part series that focuses on JICA’s cooperation on climate action. This second and final article is about a forest conservation project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country with the second largest tropical forest area in the world. It is a sustainable forest management initiative that is meant to contribute to climate action and the conservation of biodiversity.

[COP Special 1] Power and Industry: The Kumejima Model’s Potential to Revitalize Islands

COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will take place from November 30 to December 12 in the United Arab Emirates. The convention will focus on urgent issues concerning the increasingly severe extreme weather that is occurring on a global scale. On the occasion of this conference, we are publishing a two-part series that focuses on JICA’s cooperation on climate action. This first article is about an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) demonstration project that is being conducted on the island of Kumejima in Okinawa. It introduces the Kumejima Model, which also promotes the development of industry by combining the uses of deep seawater. JICA is exploring the introduction of this model—which aims to balance sustainable clean energy with industrial development—to other island nations.

Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino Received Returning Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers

JICA’s Support for Foreign Human Resources: Benefits for Both Developing Countries and Japan

In the face of population decline and aging, Japan needs to attract human resources from abroad to keep its society and economy strong. But unless steps are taken to improve working and living conditions, migrant workers might be tempted to pursue job opportunities elsewhere. Here, Kobayashi Yosuke, senior director of JICA’s newly established Office for Foreign Human Resources, identifies the key issues in attracting foreign human resources and describes the steps JICA is taking to overcome these issues.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Met with Returned Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers