Overview

1. Japan’s unique and considerable experiences of development

Japan is the first country that has modernized from a non-Western background to establish a free, democratic, prosperous, and peace-loving nation based on the rule of law, without losing much of its tradition and identity. In that sense, Japan could serve as one of the best examples for developing countries to follow in their own development.

At the same time, Japan has extensive experience of development cooperation through official development assistance (ODA) toward Asian countries, most of which have achieved remarkable socio-economic progress.

By sharing Japan’s experiences and lessons learned through its modernization and development cooperation, Japan can lead development studies globally and thereby contribute to sustainable development.

2. Developing future leaders

JICA launched the “JICA Development Studies Program (JICA-DSP) ” in 2018, in cooperation with various universities in Japan, with an aim to develop future leaders of developing counties.

This program offers an opportunity to study the respective academic fields at Japanese graduate schools, and Japanese studies that explores Japan’s modernization and development cooperation experiences in light of its historical and cultural background.

In order to expand the opportunities of such Japanese studies in partner countries as well, JICA now started the “JICA Chair (JICA Program for Japanese studies)” in collaboration with leading universities in partner countries.

3. Activities of JICA Chair

JICA Chair’s activities include short intensive lectures conducted by lecturers, dispatched from Japan, on Japan’s development experiences, in the fields of politics, economics, public administration, law and others.

JICA will also provide reference materials for Japanese studies and research and education opportunities to faculty members of universities who wish to establish or strengthen courses or programs of Japanese studies.