This year marks the 50th anniversary of the start of Japan's official development assistance. Since October 1954, when Japan joined the Colombo Plan and provided technical assistance, ODA has been an important element of Japan's diplomacy. According to the Foreign Ministry's white paper on ODA, Japan has provided a total of $221 billion to 185 countries and regions in the period.
The purpose of ODA has shifted from economic development to combating environmental and other global issues and building foundations for peace -- by ending conflicts and reconstructing war-damaged countries.
Yet Japanese ODA faces budget cutbacks and diminishing public support. To restore ODA's strategic importance in Japanese diplomacy, efforts must be made to increase its effectiveness and transparency.