The total amount of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) gross disbursements in 2019 was approximately $18,919.77 million (¥2,063.1 billion). There are various issues to address, such as the low birth rate, aging population, and disaster recovery and disaster risk reduction, and on top of this, the spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Japan’s public finances and the economic lives of its citizens since 2020. Under such circumstances, why does Japan support developing countries through ODA?

After World War II, Japan came back from the ruins and rebuilt itself. In the course of reconstruction and economic growth to join the ranks of developed countries, Japan received support from the United States and other developed countries as well as international organizations such as the World Bank. Basic infrastructures, which were essential for the reconstruction and development of Japan including the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Tomei Expressway, the Kurobe Dam, and the Aichi Canal Project, were built using such support. Japan, which has already achieved economic development, has now been supporting the economic development of developing countries by utilizing ODA. There are high expectations for Japan from various countries around the world in this regard.

When we turn our eyes to global issues, climate change, natural disasters, environmental problems, infectious diseases, and refugees among others are getting more serious, and their impacts are spreading all over the world. In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the international community has been promoting initiatives to build a society where “no one will be left behind” by 2030. Under this situation, contributing to the stability and development of developing countries through ODA not only creates a peaceful, stable, and prosperous international community, but also helps protect the lives of Japan’s citizens and realize prosperity. For example, as a result of industrialization supported by Japan, octopus and salmon from developing countries are exported to Japan and served in our daily meals. Cooperating for a certain country to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or marine plastic litter will lead to improving the environment surrounding Japan. Engaging in cooperation with various stakeholders around the world in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic will also contribute to preventing its global spread, support Japanese people and companies abroad in resuming activities, and lead to the prevention of the spread of disease in Japan as well.

Over 65 years have passed since Japan started to provide ODA. The support and human resources development in various fields that Japan has provided to developing countries through ODA have led to their current trust in Japan. Since ODA is implemented using precious tax funds, it should be appropriately utilized and put to use for developing countries. Japan will continue to provide development cooperation to address global issues so that such effort will enhance Japan’s peace, security, and prosperity.