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It is a great honor and privilege to assume my duties as the Resident Representative of the JICA Samoa Office. Having arrived in Apia in late May 2026, I am delighted to begin my assignment in this beautiful island nation and to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and partnership between Samoa and Japan.
My name is Shigeki Furuta, and I have dedicated my career to international cooperation and development, working with governments, communities, and development partners mainly in South Asia and Africa. Throughout these experiences, I have come to appreciate that sustainable development is achieved not only through infrastructure and technology, but above all through people, mutual trust, and long-term partnerships built on respect and shared aspirations.
Since my arrival, I have been deeply impressed by the warmth of the Samoan people and the enduring strength of Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan way of life that places family, community, respect, and collective responsibility at the center of society. These values have enabled Samoa to preserve its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernization and engaging confidently with the international community. Samoa’s history is equally inspiring. As the first Pacific Island country to regain its independence in the twentieth century, Samoa has demonstrated resilience, dignity, and leadership. Its commitment to democratic governance, social cohesion, and regional cooperation continues to earn international respect. The country’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and strong sense of identity are valuable assets not only for Samoa but also for the wider Pacific region.
At the same time, Samoa faces significant development challenges. Like many Small Island Developing States, the country is particularly vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, external economic shocks, and geographic isolation. Building resilient infrastructure, strengthening health and education systems, promoting sustainable economic opportunities, empowering workforce in line with labor market needs, and enhancing disaster preparedness remain critical priorities for the future. The Government of Samoa’s Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) 2026/27–2030/31, presents a comprehensive vision of “A highly resilient, secure, and prosperous Samoa grounded in Fa’a Samoa and faith in God” sustaining community empowerment, driving resilient growth, and strengthening governance, justice, and partnership. JICA highly values this national vision and remains committed to supporting Samoa’s own development priorities through close dialogue and collaboration with the Government and people of Samoa.
Japan and Samoa have enjoyed a friendship that has deepened over many decades. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, our countries have fostered close cooperation founded upon mutual respect, shared values, and people-to-people exchanges. JICA has been proud to contribute to this partnership through technical cooperation, grant assistance, volunteer programs, knowledge sharing, and human resource development across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure (power, ports and logistics, roads, etc.), disaster risk reduction, health, water supply, education, environmental management, and public administration. The challenges facing the Pacific today require innovative solutions and stronger international cooperation. Climate change, ocean conservation, renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth are issues that transcend national borders and require collective action. Japan remains committed to supporting the Pacific region while respecting the ownership and priorities of Pacific Island countries.
JICA’s cooperation is guided by the principle of Human Security, placing people at the center of development and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, safety, and hope. We also believe in co-creation, working together with our partners to generate innovative solutions by combining local knowledge with Japanese experience and technology. Through these approaches, JICA seeks to contribute to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
As Resident Representative, I hope to further strengthen JICA’s collaboration with the Government of Samoa, local communities, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, regional organizations, and other development partners. By listening carefully to local voices and building upon Samoa’s own strengths and traditions, we aim to support initiatives that create lasting impacts for future generations. I also believe that cooperation between Japan and Samoa is a two-way process of mutual learning. Japan has much to share from its experience in disaster risk reduction, infrastructure development, quality growth, and human resource development. At the same time, Samoa offers valuable lessons in community solidarity, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and resilience that can inspire people around the world. Looking ahead, I hope that JICA Samoa Office will continue to serve as a bridge connecting our two countries and peoples. Together with our Samoan partners, we will strive to contribute to the realization of Samoa’s national development goals while promoting a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and sustainable Pacific region.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome that my family and I have received since our arrival in Samoa. I look forward to traveling throughout the country, meeting many people, learning from your experiences, and working hand in hand toward our shared future.
Fa’afetai tele lava.
Shigeki Furuta
Resident Representative
JICA Samoa Office