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.

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.