Groups with a stake in the Islamic State hostage crisis include aid teams who at times have struggled to keep the Syrian refugee crisis on the agenda back home.
The events of the past week have thrown the realities of the region into harsh focus, raising awareness of Syrians' needs but also potentially turning the Japanese public against involvement there. The cruelty displayed by Islamic State extremists in beheading a helpless hostage may fuel prejudice against Muslims and aversion to aiding causes in the Middle East.
The Kyoto-based Nippon International Cooperation for Community Development, better known as Nicco, is one NGO that supports Syrians affected by the ongoing civil war. Since 2012, the group has distributed aid such as winter clothing and school supplies to a large number of refugees living in the Zaatari refugee camp in Zarqa, Jordan.