2025.10.06
“Japan is a Sincere and Genuine Friend” – A story of friendship between Japan and a Pacific Island Nation, forged beyond the scars of war. Once a fierce battlefield during World War II, Nadzab in Papua New Guinea is now home to a new international airport: Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport. This “Tomodachi (Friendship) Airport” connects the past and the future, symbolizing peace and partnership between the two nations, 80 years after the war.
In October 2024, during the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Papua New Guinea (PNG), Prime Minister Hon. James Marape expressed his heartfelt gratitude, describing Japan as a “Sincere and Genuine Friend” for its five decades of continuous support (*1).
Hon. James Marape giving speech at the event of celebrating 50th anniversary of Japan’s ODA to PNG
In October 2023, a new international airport opened near Lae, PNG’s second largest economic hub. Renamed Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport, the name was proposed by Hon. James Marape to honor the deep friendship and shared history between PNG and Japan.
This project is part of JICA’s long-term infrastructure support. Through a loan project, JICA supported the construction of a new passenger terminal, upgrade the runway, construct new taxiways, and renovate the control and fire towers. At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, Japanese dignitaries including then-State Foreign Minister HORII Iwao, and many local leaders celebrated the milestone.
Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport
Mr. HORII and Hon. James Marape (Supplied by Department of PMNEC)
JICA President Dr. Tanaka’s Visit to Nadzab
Serve as a Hub for Industry and Logistics, Boosting Socio-Economic Development
Nadzab holds a deep historical connection with Japan. In 1943, during World War II, it was the site of fierce battles. Over 150 thousand Imperial Japanese soldiers lost their lives in what became known as the “Place of No Return” for Japanese troops in New Guinea. Imperial Japan had established bases in areas such as Rabaul, Buna, and Lae, but in 1943, the Allied forces launched an airborne operation on Nadzab, quickly capturing the airfield and turning the tide of the war. The airfield became a strategic base for Allied counterattacks, known as the “Northern Australian Defence Zone Air Base (NADZAB).” (*2)
Memorial Event of 80 years from Nadzab Landing Operation(*3)
WW II battlefields across PNG
Once a place of conflict between Japan and Allied forces, Nadzab now stands as a symbol of peace and friendship. The airport named “Tomodachi” (meaning “friend” in Japanese) serves as a powerful reminder of hope.
JICA has supported airport development throughout PNG, including Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby and Tokua Airport in East New Britain Province. Strengthening airport infrastructure and improving maintenance capacity not only supports economic growth and regional development but also enhances resilience to disasters and climate change by serving as crucial logistics hubs during emergencies. Airport infrastructure also plays a strategic role in deepening bilateral trust and partnership, facilitating the entry of Japanese investors, and supporting stable energy supplies to Japan.
PNG ranks as the 5th largest LNG supplier to Japan
PNG, rich in natural resources, is a crucial partner for Japan in terms of economic security. Imports from PNG account for around 97% of Japan’s total imports from Pacific Island nations. PNG exports liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, gold, copper, nickel, timber, marine products, palm oil, and more to Japan. Known as the “last frontier,” PNG is expected to achieve significant growth in the future. However, challenges in economic infrastructure still exist, including airport infrastructure, and continued cooperation is essential for sustainable development of PNG.
Ok Tedi Mine in Western Province. More than 50% of its copper are exported to Japan
There is an unforgettable episode that symbolizes the friendship between Japan and PNG. Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, voluntary fundraising and charity events were held across PNG. A total of 10 million kina (approximately 320 million yen at the time), including contribution from the Government of PNG, was donated to Japan. Despite the fact nearly 40% of the PNG population lives on less than 2.15 USD per day (2022, UNICEF), the people of PNG stood in solidarity with Japan in its time of suffering. This is the kind of bond we must never forget - a relationship with a “Genuine Friend”.
Over the past 5 decades, Japan has supported the people and the government of PNG, steadily building a relationship of trust. In 2025, we will mark the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Hon. James Marape’s words mentioned at the beginning reflect the appreciation toward Japan’s long-standing support, even before PNG’s independence.
Japan and PNG have built a forward-looking partnership by sharing the memories of war and reaffirming the value of peace. One symbol of this is the “Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport,” which represents a new bond that transcends wartime history, linking the past with the present. It means more than just an airport.
In this 80th year since the end of WWII, with the remains of Japanese soldiers still resting in PNG soil, we hope to carry forward what our predecessors have built and continue being a “Genuine Friend” to PNG.
Japan supported airport being the logistic hub during emergencies
with Former Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Walter Schnaulbelt
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