The Japan International Cooperation Agency (独立行政法人国際協力機構, dokuritsu gyōseihōjin kokusai kyōryoku kikō, JICA) is a governmental agency that delivers the bulk of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the government of Japan. It is an chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries and promoting international cooperation. According to the OECD, Japan's total official development assistance (ODA) (US$17.5 billion, grant-equivalent methodology, preliminary data) increased in 2022 due to an increase in its bilateral lending, which includes support to Ukraine. ODA represented 0.39% of gross national income (GNI). [1] The OECD's Development Assistance Committee published a peer review of Japan's development cooperation in October 2020.[2] It was led by Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka, the former President of the International University of Japan, from 2015 to 2022. On 1 April 2022, Professor Akihiko Tanaka assumed the presidency of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the successor to Professor Shinichi Kataoka.[3]
History
JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, was formed in 2003[citation needed] as a result of a comprehensive overhaul of Japan's ODA. It is now one of the largest bilateral development organizations in the world, with a network of 97 overseas offices, projects in more than 150 countries, and available financial resources of approximately 1 trillion yen ($8.5 billion). JICA is responsible for administering Japan's grant aid as well as providing technical cooperation and concessional loans to developing countries, all under one roof, strengthening collaboration with international institutions, and contributing to global development strategies.
JICA has undergone an operational and organizational change in its country offices, placing greater emphasis on a field-based approach to programs/projects, decentralizing staff, and delegating increased authority from Tokyo headquarters to overseas offices, reducing bureaucracy, and fast-tracking programs/projects.
JICA's focus has shifted towards providing "human security" to local communities by strengthening grassroots programs, such as improving education and health projects.
Timeline
1954 Apr - Japan joins Colombo Plan and initiates technical cooperation programs
1962 Jun - Overseas Technology Cooperation Agency (OTCA) established
1963 Jul - Japan Emigration Service (JEMIS) established
1965 Apr - Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program launched
1974 Aug - OTCA and JEMIS merge to form the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
1987 Sep - Disaster Relief Team formed
1989 - Total official development assistance (ODA) contributions exceed that of the United States to become the highest in the world
JICA is part of Japan's official development assistance effort, with a role in providing technical cooperation, capital grants and yen loans. According to the OECD, 2020 official development assistance from Japan increased 1.2% to US$16.3 billion.[2] JICA's core development programs (aid modalities) are technical assistance programs/projects for capacity and institutional development, feasibility studies and master plans. The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), JICA Senior Volunteers, and Japan Disaster Relief Team groups of JICA are widely known among the Japanese general public and tax-payers. Japan Disaster Relief Team members are often seen in news reports on relief efforts after major natural disasters around the world, such as the 2005 South Asian earthquake.
JICA's Mission Statement:
"We, as a bridge between the people of Japan and developing countries, will advance international cooperation through the sharing of knowledge and experience and will work to build a more peaceful and prosperous world."
Major aid modalities
Technical assistance programs/projects for capacity and institutional development
Feasibility studies and master plans
Dispatch of Specialists
Specialists dispatched to the field include those recommended from related government ministries and agencies as well as those applying through the specialist registration system. Assignments range from extended stays of over a year to shorter stays of less than one year.
Technical training program
JICA provides technical training for participants from the developing countries in a wide range of fields, including medical, industrial, and agricultural training.
Training within Japan
Group training
Field-specific course (Course aimed at deepening understanding of worldwide issues in various fields. Courses are generally between four and 15 people, 10 on average. Course length varies from three weeks to one year.)
Country/Region-specific course (Course aimed at deepening understanding of issues specific to a country or region)
Individual training (Generally technical training specific to a project)
Accommodation
JICA has its own accommodation facilities for participants of many of its programs. They are located in the important cities in Japan and are generally referred to as International Centers. The one at Tokyo is Tokyo International Center situated in Hatagaya, Shibuya. The facilities are of good quality and details are available in the JICA website.
