Building Peace with a Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Messenger: 80 Years After World War II
In the summer of 2025, Japan marked 80 years since the end of World War II. While the country has maintained peace throughout the postwar era, conflicts have continued to increase around the world. What can we do to contribute to peace? Taguchi Seishiro, a first-year student at Seijo High School in Tokyo and a member of the 28th generation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Messengers — a youth delegation that advocates for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of a peaceful world — sat down with Oi Ayako, Senior Director of the Office for Peacebuilding at JICA, to discuss this question and other issues.
Japan and Africa: Closer Than You Think / Hosting TICAD9
In August, the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development "TICAD 9," focusing on African development, will be held in Japan for the first time in six years. Although Japan and Africa may seem distant at first glance, they share many connections, particularly through imports of food and other materials, and have some important things in common. Ahead of TICAD 9, Cameroonian-born and Japan-raised manga artist Rene Hoshino and two staff members from JICA's Africa Department discussed the relationship between Africa and Japan.
Linking learning in Japan to recovery in homeland: Ukrainians' hopes supported by JICA
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offers the "Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship" (JDS), which brings young government officials from developing countries to Japan. The aim is to nurture these individuals into leaders who will contribute to their home governments and serve as bridges between their countries and Japan after returning home. Under this program, two Ukrainian government officials have been studying in Tokyo since 2024. While saddened by the ongoing conflict in their homeland, they are focused on expanding their knowledge and networks to aid in their country's recovery. The two officials expressed their determination, stating they want to share their experience with their colleagues upon returning home and "give a decent future" to their children.
JICA | HERALBONY: A Society where 8 Billion People Can “Radiate Their Unique Colors”
JICA, which aims to create a society where everyone, including those with disabilities, can live with dignity, is joining forces with HERALBONY, a company dedicated to reshaping perceptions of disabilities through art-based business. Matsuda Takaya, Co-CEO of HERALBONY, and Miyazaki Katsura, JICA Executive Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), share their insights into the values this collaboration can bring to society.
20 Years After the Sumatra Earthquake: Indonesia and Tohoku Share Disaster Memories and Lessons for Future Generations
The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating Sumatra earthquake and resultant Indian Ocean tsunami, which caused unprecedented damage to the coastlines of countries around the Indian Ocean. The damage was particularly severe in Indonesia. JICA not only provided emergency assistance immediately after the disaster, but has continued to support long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts. JICA has also fostered mutual learning through collaboration with municipalities in Indonesia and those in Japan’s Tohoku region that were impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Met with Returned Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and Youth Volunteers for Nikkei Communities (NJV)
Remote Support for Mali’s “School for All”: Promoting Learning for Children in Conflict Regions
Children are being deprived of educational opportunities in growing areas of the world today due to armed conflict, both between and within nations. In the West African country of Mali, which has been in a socio-political crisis for many years, an initiative is underway to remotely implement a long-running JICA project in Africa called School for All. This article looks at the pioneering efforts the project is making in Mali ahead of World Children’s Day on November 20.
At the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis with Takanashi Sara
The Republic of Palau is known as a "Pristine Paradise" with its abundant sunshine and clear blue ocean, but the country is also being significantly impacted by climate change. Japanese ski jumper Takanashi Sara visited Palau to explore the sites where climate change initiatives are underway and connect with the people involved. Her visit sheds light on Palau’s efforts to combat climate change.
Japan’s Remote Data Management Support for Emergency Medical Teams in the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Over one year has passed since the escalation in the intense conflict between Hamas and Israel. As the fighting has shown no signs of abating, JICA continues its humanitarian support in Gaza, utilizing the expertise developed within the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Team in collaboration with the WHO. Three team members are interviewed for their support from Japan.
From a supported country to a Global Leader in Mine Action: Cambodia's Goal of a World Free of Landmines
Cambodia has a history of being heavily contaminated by landmines. JICA has been supporting Cambodia for nearly 30 years in building a system that would allow the country to manage mine action on its own. Today, Cambodia is partnering with JICA to share its advanced expertise in mine action with countries facing similar challenges, such as Ukraine and several African countries.
Water Prize Laureate Oki Taikan: The Power to Engage Holds Key to a Sustainable Future
University of Tokyo Professor Oki Taikan was the 2024 recipient of the Stockholm Water Prize, known as the “Nobel Prize of water.” He has long partnered with JICA to research development approaches that are resilient to climate-induced water disasters. He spoke with JICA Executive Senior Vice President Miyazaki Katsura on ways to build a more sustainable future in the face of rising climate risks.
Foreign Minister Awarded Commendations to Returning Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
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