Japan’s ODA Policy and Reforms since the 1990s and Role in the New Era of Development Cooperation

Japan’s development cooperation stands at a crossroads in the face of dramatic changes in both external and domestic environment in recent decades. Now, the international community is actively debating the future development framework after 2015 (the so-called post-Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] agenda). The new era of development cooperation will be characterized by broader and deeper partnerships involving emerging economies and the business sector. Japan should make unique contributions to the new era by bringing the East Asian perspectives together with these actors and in a way that reflects Japan’s dual experiences as latecomer and donor.