(8) Strengthening Public Relations, Information Disclosure and Information Dissemination

MOFA and JICA have each launched websites related to ODA (Note 25) that are linked to each other, which aim to release and disseminate accurate information. In October 2010, the "ODA mieru-ka site" (website for visualization of ODA) was launched within the JICA website to provide an easily understandable explanation of the current state of ODA projects and other aspects of the overall flow. In addition, an ODA email magazine is issued which introduces stories of experiences and episodes from actual aid in the field from the staff of overseas diplomatic missions, and JICA personnel.

Since FY 1997, a series of television programs have been broadcast to promote public interest in and understanding of international cooperation. In FY 2012, TV Tokyo's "Chikyu VOCE" covered Japanese aid workers in developing countries, and introduced the current state of developing countries, the reasons why assistance is necessary, and the impact of Japan's ODA projects.

Global Festa JAPAN is held annually around the time of the International Cooperation Day (6th of Octorber)* as Japan's largest international cooperation event. The event is co-hosted by MOFA, JICA, and the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC) on Saturday and Sunday at Hibiya Park in Tokyo with participation from NGOs, international organizations, private coporates and related ministries. Approximately 100,000 people attended the 2012 event.

Many NGOs also participate in the Global Festa.

In addition, Japan conducts activities overseas to promote a better understanding of Japan's proactive international contribution through ODA. For example, Japan has provided press releases at the time of signings and handover ceremonies and otherwise cooperated with interviews of the local press. In addition, Japan attaches Japanese flag stickers (in English and Arabic) and the Japanese ODA logo (in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese) to aid supplies from Japan. Japan's overseas diplomatic missions provide opportunities for the local press to address Japan's cooperation by planning site-visit tours to Japan's ODA projects. Furthermore, Japanese embassies disseminate information via various talks and websites and pamphlets in English and local languages.

Note 25: Ministry of Foreign Affairs ODA page: http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/oda JICA: http://www.jica.go.jp Website for visualization of ODA: http://www.jica.go.jp/oda

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