The international community in the post-Cold War era is required to address issues of global dimensions such as poverty, the need to support democratization and a shift to market economies in developing countries and other countries in a transition period, environment, refugee problems caused by regional conflicts, population growth and HIV/AIDS, etc. Accordingly, the demand for ODA is becoming larger and more diversified.

As Japan's ODA has become more significant in number, expectations of developing countries and the world community in general for a larger role by Japan have mounted. To meet these expectations, it would be necessary for Japan to make a positive contribution to the international community by increasing the amount and improving the quality of its ODA.

In recent months, however, a growing number of Japanese who are increasingly concerned about the inadequacy of domestic social capital and community facilities, the prolonged economic slowdown and recurring natural disasters, are candidly asking a simple question: Why is it necessary to increase Japan's ODA?

For Japan, being heavily dependent on foreign trade, a peaceful and stable world community and free and open world markets are essential to securing its existence and prosperity of the nation. Japan, therefore, should play an active role in creating the desirable environment for the world peace. As the world economies come to be increasingly interdependent, contributions to peace, stability and prosperity through ODA would, in itself, result in serving the national interests of Japan. Thanks to the contribution of Japan by means of ODA to peace, it won the friendship of a growing number of countries and individuals in every part of the world. This is reflected in the improved relations between Japan and developing countries and in the overwhelming support which Japanese candidates have received in elections for heads of agencies of the United Nations. In this respect, it could be said that Japan's ODA policy is a truly important part of its foreign policy and, thus, an increase of ODA should not be regarded simply as an international obligation of Japan but also as a vehicle to promote and secure its own national interests.

For Japan, as a peace-loving nation, ODA is one of the most important pillars of its international contribution. After World War II, in a peaceful and stable international environment, Japan strove for the reconstruction of its war-ravaged economy and for industrial growth with the assistance of friendly countries and international organisations. As a result, Japan was able to build up its economic strength to a level second to that of the United States and now holds a leading position in the world community. With the end of the Cold War, the international community is seeking a new global framework for peace and prosperity, and at this critical moment it would be impermissible for Japan to pursue only its own prosperity and to be indifferent to the welfare of the world community. With expectations in Japan mounting at present, the world demand for Japan's active contributions has never been greater than now.

Taking Japan's historical, political and economic backgrounds into consideration, Japan, as a peace-loving nation, should work toward a solution of the long-standing anguish of the international community through ODA on the strength of its economic and technological advantages. This should be one of the most significant pillars of Japan's international contributions.