Topics

JICA Volunteer Coaches Take On an Olympic and Paralympic Challenge

Athletes around the world are preparing to compete in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to be held in Paris. Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers are coaching, among others, a table tennis player from Vanuatu and a visually impaired judo player from India. We spoke to these volunteers about their coaching styles and their aspirations for the athletes at the Games.

The Japanese Initiatives That Helped to Halt Zambia’s Worst Cholera Outbreak in History

Zambia’s worst cholera outbreak in history began in October, 2023. Two JICA health and medical project teams on the ground were crucial in preventing its further spread. This is the story of how two JICA health and medical project teams were crucial in preventing its spread, earning high praise from the Zambian government.

Central Asia’s Huge Potential and Longstanding Ties with Japan

The countries of Central Asia are attracting increasing global attention today for their abundant natural resources and as strategic roles for transcontinental trade. This article focuses on the evolving and deepening ties between this important region and Japan.

Our Survival Hinges on Future-Proof Sustainability, Urges JICA’s Chief Sustainability Officer

What does “sustainability” mean today in light of climate change and other global challenges that are threatening our way of life? On the eve of World Environment Day on June 5, JICA’s Chief Sustainability Officer describes the various initiatives the agency is undertaking for a sustainable future.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Met with Returned Senior Volunteers (SV) and Senior Volunteers for Nikkei Communities (NSV)

Sustainable and Equitable Water Management That Promotes Well-Being

Many parts of the world are now suffering from a serious water shortage. JICA is thus promoting initiatives called integrated water resources management to give everyone equitable access to water. These efforts are expected to attract great attention at the World Water Forum, to be held in Indonesia in May.

Enhancing Food Security with Science and Technology: Thailand and Japan’s Research Collaboration for Sustainable Aquaculture

Aquaculture is playing an increasingly vital role in addressing the global food crisis. In Thailand, a research project focused on aquaculture technology for sustainable aquatic food farming is underway with Japanese support. This partnership has the potential to promote sustainable aquaculture and food security.

[TICAD at 30] Leveraging the capability of Africa’s youth: Interview with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) CEO, H.E. Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the development implementing agency of the African Union, stands as a key partner for TICAD, emphasizing the principle of Africa’s ownership over Africa’s development. AUDA-NEPAD and JICA, which signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2014, held an annual consultation conference in the Republic of South Africa last year, where AUDA-NEPAD's headquarters is located. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Mr. Ando Naoki, JICA Senior Vice-President who participated in the conference, interviewed H.E. Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AUDA-NEPAD, about the work done through TICAD and on empowering and promoting Africa's youth through AUDA-NEPAD’s “Energize Africa” initiative.

[70 Years of ODA - 3] Years of Cooperation, Past and Future: Interviews with the Indonesian and Turkish Ambassadors to Japan

This year, Japan marks the 70th anniversary of its initiation of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Ambassadors from Indonesia and Türkiye, two countries with which we have long-standing friendly relations, were invited for interviews. We asked them about the role played by Japan's ODA and JICA, as well as their expectations for the future.

[70 Years of ODA - 2] Solving Social Issues with ODA and Business: The Challenges Gojo & Company, Inc. Faces in Becoming a “Private-Sector World Bank”

Private funds, technology, and innovative ideas are vital in solving the various social issues in developing countries. It is more important than ever that the future of ODA (Official Development Assistance) involves collaboration with private companies. JICA, in charge of administering Japanʼs ODA, is leveraging the technologies and know-how of the private sector through supporting private companies in expanding their businesses to contribute to solving social issues and promoting economic growth in developing countries.

Gojo & Company, Inc. (“Gojo”) is a good example of a social enterprise, now expanding its microfinance business (small-lot loans to low-income classes) and providing financial inclusion in five Asian countries. Founded in 2014, the startup has worked steadily towards the realization of a world in which everyone has access to financial services. It has drawn wide attention because of its developmental impact. In a meeting at Gojo & Company’s headquarters, Shin Taejun, Founder and CEO of the company, and JICA’s Azukizawa Eigo discussed the potential of the business in solving developing countries' social issues, and the prospect of ODA.

[70 Years of ODA - 1] The Changing Roles of Japan’s ODA and JICA: An Interview with International Political Scientist Nakanishi Hiroshi

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to developing nations. Japan has used its experience and knowledge to support the foundation-building of developing nations and promote the construction of a peaceful and stable international society. The “Development Cooperation Charter,” which serves as the guide for ODA in Japan, was revised last year to correspond with the changing times. JICA executive Sanada Akiko talked to political scientist Nakanishi Hiroshi about how the awareness of development cooperation and JICA’s role have changed.

Madagascar’s Food and Nutrition Standards: Applying Lessons from Postwar Japan to Improve People’s Lives

In Madagascar, efforts to improve nutrition standards are actively being made by the residents themselves based on the seikatsu kaizen activities of postwar Japan. Why did these practices take root and how have they changed the way people live and think?