Japan's ODA Charter, which sets forth the basic principles and objectives of the nation's official development assistance, is to be revised for the first time since it was established 11 years ago. The Cabinet is expected to approve an updated version in late August.
During the last decade of the 20th century, Japan remained the world's largest donor of ODA. In 2001, however, the nation slipped to second place behind the United States, due to cutbacks necessitated by a protracted economic slump and a gigantic budget deficit.
The "peace-building" role of ODA has increased since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S., as demonstrated by reconstruction assistance in Afghanistan and peace efforts in East Timor and Sri Lanka. Japan's ODA policy stands at a turning point.