Global Issues & ODA
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ERI’s attendance at the 60th Anniversary Ceremony of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
November 14, 2025
（Photo: JICA）
（Photo: JICA）
- On Thursday, November 13, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the 60th anniversary ceremony of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers（JOCV） which was held by JICA with the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress at the Tokyo International Forum.
- In the first part of the ceremony, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI read the congratulatory message of Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae. In the message, she commended the activities of approximately 58,000 JOCVs, who have been dispatched to 99 countries over 60 years, hoping for success of the volunteers who returned from their missions in various fields. She also stated that the trust and bonds built by JOCVs in the international community over the past 60 years are invaluable assets in restoring Japanese diplomacy that flourishes on the world's center stage.
- In addition, at the ceremony, a congratulatory address was delivered by Ms.OBUCHI Yuko, a member of the House of Representatives and the chairperson of the JICA Parliamentary League , followed by a video message from Hon. Mr.James MARAPE, the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Then, Ms.AOKI Yuka, representing the returning volunteers, expressed hope for further expansion of JOCV’s activities, and Ms.OTSU Riho , a high school student shared her desire to engage in international cooperation in the future as a representative of the next generation.
- This ceremony provided a good opportunity to mark the 60th anniversary of JOCV as well as to look back on its historyand reaffirm its significance.