Applications for Japan's version of the Peace Corps are running at extremely low levels due to security concerns raised by the Sept. 11 terror attacks, according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

JICA, which runs the program to send young volunteers to developing countries, began accepting submissions for its fall openings on Oct. 15. In the first week, it received only 53 applications, down 75 percent from the same period last year.

There are openings for around 800 volunteers, the agency said.

"If things remain as is, we may not be able to meet requests from recipients countries for Japanese volunteers," a JICA official said.

The agency, which is affiliated with the Foreign Ministry, plans to step up its publicity campaign until applications for the program close on Nov. 20.

The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. and the subsequent U.S.-led military attacks in Afghanistan have apparently raised security concerns in many developing countries, according to JICA.

During briefing sessions, many prospective applicants asked for assurances of security at overseas posts, the agency said, adding it constantly updates information on security and pulls volunteers out of a country if there are security risks.

JICA said the 24 workers it had in Pakistan, which shares a long border with Afghanistan, were evacuated within five days of the terrorist attacks.

Applications for the program have generally been on the decline over the past several years, apparently reflecting concerns about finding work after returning from overseas amid Japan's prolonged economic slump.

In fiscal 2000, around 1,300 people took part in the program, which has placed over 22,000 volunteers since 1965. As of Sept. 30, around 2,600 people were working in 64 countries.

Applications are sought from people in their 20s and 30s who have skills in agriculture, civil engineering, health care and other services. After training, accepted applicants are typically sent to developing countries for two years to provide technical guidance and other assistance to local residents.