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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.

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.

Linking learning in Japan to recovery in homeland: Ukrainians' hopes supported by JICA

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offers the "Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship" (JDS), which brings young government officials from developing countries to Japan. The aim is to nurture these individuals into leaders who will contribute to their home governments and serve as bridges between their countries and Japan after returning home. Under this program, two Ukrainian government officials have been studying in Tokyo since 2024. While saddened by the ongoing conflict in their homeland, they are focused on expanding their knowledge and networks to aid in their country's recovery. The two officials expressed their determination, stating they want to share their experience with their colleagues upon returning home and "give a decent future" to their children.

JICA | HERALBONY: A Society where 8 Billion People Can "Radiate Their Unique Colors"

JICA, which aims to create a society where everyone, including those with disabilities, can live with dignity, is joining forces with HERALBONY, a company dedicated to reshaping perceptions of disabilities through art-based business. Matsuda Takaya, Co-CEO of HERALBONY, and Miyazaki Katsura, JICA Executive Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), share their insights into the values this collaboration can bring to society.

20 Years After the Sumatra Earthquake: Indonesia and Tohoku Share Disaster Memories and Lessons for Future Generations

The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating Sumatra earthquake and resultant Indian Ocean tsunami, which caused unprecedented damage to the coastlines of countries around the Indian Ocean. The damage was particularly severe in Indonesia. JICA not only provided emergency assistance immediately after the disaster, but has continued to support long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts. JICA has also fostered mutual learning through collaboration with municipalities in Indonesia and those in Japan’s Tohoku region that were impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan Met with Returned Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and Youth Volunteers for Nikkei Communities (NJV)

Remote Support for Mali’s "School for All": Promoting Learning for Children in Conflict Regions

Children are being deprived of educational opportunities in growing areas of the world today due to armed conflict, both between and within nations. In the West African country of Mali, which has been in a socio-political crisis for many years, an initiative is underway to remotely implement a long-running JICA project in Africa called School for All. This article looks at the pioneering efforts the project is making in Mali ahead of World Children’s Day on November 20.