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Sharing lessons with the world: 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Japan is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. While many lives have been lost to earthquakes, tsunamis, and severe weather, Japan has continually learned from these experiences and developed knowledge and technologies to protect people’s lives, society, and the economy. JICA is working to apply these lessons in developing countries.
Fifteen years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, this report highlights JICA’s ongoing efforts.
How agricultural skills learned in Zambia revitalized tea farms in Shizuoka
Kakegawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s leading tea-producing regions. While local tea farms have been facing a serious threat to their survival, young people from the Tokyo metropolitan area and travelers from overseas are now visiting the area. Behind this trend lies what one young man learned from agriculture in Zambia.
Women shaping the future of peace: From the front lines of WPS
In many parts of the world, conflicts and disasters are occurring in succession, heightening the risk of women facing various forms of disadvantage. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) not only provides relief to such women as “victims,” but also positions them as “agents of peacebuilding,” pursuing a range of cooperation under the principles of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, Hirose Megumi, senior director of JICA’s Office for Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction, and journalist Hamada Keiko sat down to discuss the WPS agenda and related issues.
Japanese technology contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction four years into invasion
February 2026 marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Although there is little indication that the fighting will end, infrastructure restoration and reconstruction efforts are underway in non-combat areas. JICA has been contributing to Ukraine's recovery through its support of Japanese companies possessing advanced technology in their efforts to enter the Ukrainian market. This is a report on these projects.
Telemedicine project optimized in Thailand saves mothers’ and babies’ lives
JICA's international cooperation has produced many cases in which achievements in developing countries are returned to Japan, contributing to solving domestic challenges and supporting business activity. One such example is a perinatal telemedicine system that originated in Kagawa Prefecture, was further refined in Thailand, and then returned to Japan. In areas across Japan where the shortage of obstetricians is becoming more serious, the system's small heart-shaped devices are helping to protect the lives of pregnant women and their babies.
Aikawa Nanase's perspective: The Nikkei community connecting Brazil and Japan
In 2025, Japan and Brazil celebrated 130 years of diplomatic relations. Today's friendly relations owe much to the Nikkei Brazilian community —people of Japanese descent living in Brazil—which has overcome hardships to serve as a bridge between the two countries. Rock singer Aikawa Nanase, serving as a goodwill ambassador for Japan-Brazil friendship and exchange, reflected on this shared history and the current situation.
Aikawa Nanase's discovery! Japanese police stations “koban” in Brazil!?
Koban, Japan’s small community police stations that have long helped keep communities safe, are spreading across Latin America. In Brazil, the koban system is playing a key role in improving public safety. Aikawa Nanase, a rock singer and goodwill ambassador for Japan-Brazil friendship, explores the background of this initiative.
The Power of JICA Volunteers -- Change the World, Change Japan: 60 Years of the Volunteer Program
In 2025, the JICA Volunteer Program marked its 60th anniversary. Over the years, approximately 58,000 volunteers have been dispatched to 99 countries, contributing to the development of various sectors such as education, healthcare and medicine, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, in developing nations. However, it is not widely known that many volunteers apply their experiences and skills to address challenges within Japanese society after returning home. This report reflects on the program's history and explores the "social contribution" activities of former volunteers.
What did Aikawa Nanase witness at the site of illegal deforestation in the Amazon?
From Nov. 10, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) is held in Brazil to discuss global climate change measures. While concrete strategies to curb rising temperatures will be debated, the Amazon—the so-called "lungs of the Earth"—continues to lose rainforest to illegal deforestation. Rock singer Aikawa Nanase, who is passionate about environmental issues, visited the region to see the situation firsthand.
A Bridge Between the Hearing and the Deaf Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
The Deaflympics, an international sports event for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, will be held in Japan for the first time in November 2025. One of the visions of the event is to realize an inclusive society where "everyone can make the most of their individuality and exert their abilities." This vision is also connected to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)'s goal of building a peaceful society where everyone can enjoy sports. Observing the people who support this grand event offers a chance for reflection on its significance.
The current situation in Ukraine and the significance of the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2025 in Tokyo
The Ukraine Mine Action Conference, hosted by Japan, was held in Tokyo on Oct. 22 and 23. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been actively supporting Ukraine by providing mine detectors and demining machines, as well as conducting training for the operation and maintenance of equipment. This report highlights JICA's initiatives and the significance of the conference from the frontlines of mine actions.
Healing through art: Bringing color and comfort to hospitals in developing countries
Artist Kouno Lulu is dedicated to "hospital art," painting murals in hospitals to transform sterile environments. Her vibrant artwork helps lessen patients' anxiety and pain, while creating a space that empowers healthcare professionals to work with pride. In collaboration with Lulu, JICA is bringing comfort and tranquility to hospitals in developing countries.