Note for International Readers,

The ODA White Paper is published annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. It records and illustrates the development and achievements, as well as lessons learned, of Japan’s ODA during the past year.

At this critical juncture corresponding with the 60th anniversary of Japan’s ODA, this year’s White Paper illustrates the history of Japan’s Development Cooperation Policy, as well as the new Development Cooperation Charter adopted in February 2015, which sets out Japan’s development cooperation strategies for the years to come. The chapters contained in this White Paper illustrate the traits of Japan’s ODA that have persisted throughout the years, including Japan’s emphasis on ownership, economic growth, and human security. They also indicate that Japan’s Development Cooperation Policy is set to evolve to meet emerging challenges in today’s world by strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders, including CSOs, local governments and private companies.

We hope that this publication helps improve the readers’ understanding of Japan’s ODA policy.