ODA Topics 6

Learn more about Japan’s ODA activities that contribute to the world!
“Go! ODA-Man”

Learning about ODA via Anime Movie

You, reading this column, surely are interested in support for developing countries, or are studying about development cooperation, right? Either that, or you might already be engaged in an ODA-related job, or participating in international cooperation activities. So, you must have thought about the following at some point, “I want to get more people to learn about the world, about developing countries, and about development cooperation!”

We also feel the same way. The development of developing countries is crucial for the entire world to become more peaceful and prosperous. The peace and prosperity of Japan can be achieved only when peace and prosperity are secured in the world. That is to say, that stability in the international community is important even to Japan.

ODA plays an important role in achieving this, but since it is mostly carried out overseas, opportunities to learn about it in Japan are limited. It seems many people think, “I have heard of ‘ODA’, but do not quite know what it means…”

Thus, in order to further spread the notion of ODA to the general public, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono appointed “Yoshida-kun,” the main character in the anime “Eagle Talon,” as “ODA-Man” of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in September 2018, and created the “Go! ODA-Man” series, a joke-heavy movie to introduce Japan’s ODA, which helps people around the world.

It is a short anime, in which “ODA-Man” energetically introduces the Japanese ODA in the world including Kenya, Turkey, Peru, and the Asian coastal countries, beginning with the history of Japan, which once was the recipient country of assistance, before it started to support developing countries around the world via ODA. It was broadcast from September through October 2018 on Tokyo Metro’s Train Channel and BS Broadcasting, in addition to the distribution of the Manga version on LINE application and its broadcast on the official YouTube channel of MOFA.

Go! ODA-Man Movie [Episode: Turkey] (see here for an introduction of this project)

Manga version “Go! ODA-Man”

Appearance of the “ODA-Man” at Global Festa

On September 29, at one of the largest international cooperation events in Japan, “Global Festa Japan” held in Odaiba, Tokyo, the one-day only “ODA-Man” made an appearance in full costume! The dream joint performance of a live voice recording by “ODA-Man” who could be met here only, and voice actor FROGMAN, also the creator of “Eagle Talon,” caused a massive stir of excitement to the venue, despite the pouring rain.

In order to ensure that the meaning, objective and significance of ODA, which is carried out with valuable tax money, is explained responsibly and thereby understood, “ODA-Man” will continue to strive to deepen the interest and understanding of the general public toward ODA, so please continue to support him!

ODA-Man and FROGMAN at “Global Festa Japan 2018” (September 29, Tokyo)

“Global Festa Japan,” an international cooperation event jointly held every year by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA, and Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC). As many as 268 participants exhibited in booths, including NGOs, companies, international organizations and foreign embassies in Tokyo, with 43,888 attendees in one day. (September 29, Tokyo)

Can you read it properly? In big letters, O. D. A.! (September 29, Tokyo)

High five with ODA-Man! (September 29, Tokyo)