Policy Updates

From July 7 through 19, 2024, Japanese Health Minister Keizo Takemi undertook key diplomatic missions to the US and China, highlighting Japan’s proactive stance in global health policy and international development cooperation.

From July 7 to 14, 2024, Takemi visited the US to engage with pharmaceutical R&D stakeholders in San Francisco and participate in health policy dialogues with Secretary Xavier Becerra in Washington, DC. He attended a reception by the Northern California Japan Society and visited the Japan Innovation Campus in Silicon Valley, focusing on advancing Japan’s drug discovery ecosystem and fostering collaborative health initiatives.

From July 17 to 19, Takemi traveled to Beijing to meet with senior Chinese officials, including the head of the National Health Commission. Discussions centered on bilateral cooperation in addressing aging populations and preparing for the upcoming Japan-China-Korea Health Ministers' Meeting. Takemi also participated in the Boao Forum’s Global Health Forum, where he emphasized Japan’s contributions to international health through initiatives such as the UHC Knowledge Hub and the establishment of the Japan Institute for Health Security(JIHS).

On July 17, 2024, Japan announced that it was arranging a loan of US$3.3 billion to Ukraine.

In June 2024, G7 members discussed using frozen Russian sovereign assets to provide a total of US$50 billion for Ukraine. The US and EU are both expected to contribute US$20 billion, and Japan, the UK, and Canada will share the remaining US$10 billion.

The funds come at a time when several countries are facing greater barriers to securing funding for Ukraine due to funding fatigue and domestic pushback.

On July 10, 2024, Japan announced a contribution of US$45 million to UNDP's core resources for 2024.

Japan's flexible support is vital for UNDP to address global challenges and crises, as outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan 2022–2025. The funding will contribute to crisis prevention, conflict resolution, peace sustainability, human rights protection, and addressing the root causes of fragility within the context of human security.

Core resources from Japan and other partners are essential for UNDP’s operations, enabling impactful initiatives and programs that promote poverty eradication, gender equality, and the SDGs. These contributions ensure that UNDP can deliver on its mission to create a more equitable and prosperous world, leaving no one behind.

On July 5, 2024, Japan signed an agreement with Nauru to increase its contribution to supporting social and economic development by US$4 million, bringing its total commitment to US$13 million.

The contribution will support a project laying submarine cable to enhance Nauru’s connectivity. The project is part of a broader initiative to strengthen communication infrastructure and promote economic growth in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Kiribati, and the Republic of Nauru.

Originally announced in December 2021, the project is a collaborative effort between Japan, the US, and Australia.

On July 4, 2024, Japan hosted a strategic dialogue in Tokyo that brought together key stakeholders committed to ensuring preschool-aged children have access to a new pediatric treatment for schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis affects tens of millions globally, particularly in Africa, where 50 million preschool-aged children are thought to be at risk. The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium developed a previously unavailable pediatric option, financially supported by various international partnerships. Recent milestones, including a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency and WHO prequalification, have paved the way for broader access.

The Tokyo event was organized by Uniting Efforts, which is a joint initiative of the Japanese government, GHIT Fund, and the UNDP-led ADP. The meeting included representatives from the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium, WHO, and several African countries. Japan’s long-term support in addressing neglected tropical diseases was highlighted, with officials emphasizing the need for equitable and sustainable patient access to the new treatment.

Stakeholders discussed the importance of collaboration, technical support, and resource mobilization for implementing the new treatment. Insights from pilot deployments in Tanzania and Uganda were shared, focusing on optimal delivery models, implementation protocols, and advocacy strategies. The dialogue underscored the necessity of inter-country knowledge exchange and a shared commitment to eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030.

On July 3, 2024, Japan signed and exchanged letters with Uzbekistan to provide four medical containers worth JPY1 billion (US$6 million) as part of its Economic and Social Development Program.

In Uzbekistan, particularly in rural areas, medical facilities face shortages and outdated equipment, hindering timely and adequate medical care. Rising transportation costs further burden the rural poor, making it difficult to access necessary medical services in urban centers and forcing some to forego essential examinations and treatments.

The cooperation involves supplying four medical containers equipped with CT scanners, X-ray machines, and other medical equipment to rural Uzbekistan, facilitating mobile healthcare. This initiative is expected to enhance access to medical services for rural residents, strengthening the country’s overall healthcare system and contributing to its economic and social development.

On July 2, 2024, Japanese NGO Keizai Doyukai and the ADB Group convened in Tokyo to discuss enhancing private sector investment in Africa, with a particular focus on engaging youth.

Established in 2009, Keizai Doyukai’s Africa committee seeks to foster growth through increased trade and investment, reflecting a commitment to mutual development.

The meeting also addressed climate finance, critical minerals, and climate change adaptation. CEO of Shibusawa and Co. Ken Shibusawa highlighted the upcoming TICAD9 in 2025, emphasizing youth engagement as a major theme. Vice President of the ADB Group Kevin Kariuki highlighted Japan's recent US$10 million funding for the AGIA, which aims to make projects more attractive to private investors. The Bank Group’s chief economist, Kevin Urama, stressed that Africa's growth heavily depends on private sector involvement.

Shibusawa and Kariuki cited successful ventures, like the Menengai geothermal project in Kenya, to illustrate Japan's strengths. The ADB, with its deep ties in Africa, provides risk mitigation tools and advises Japanese investors in the region. Discussions also explored using Japanese development assistance to drive private infrastructure investment, demonstrating Keizai Doyukai’s ongoing efforts to bolster economic ties and private sector engagement in Africa.

On June 26, 2024, Japan signed and exchanged notes with Laos for two grant projects totaling JPY753 million (US$5 million).

The first project, the Human Resource Development Scholarship, is planned to address Laos' complex development issues by supporting up to 21 young government officials to study at Japanese graduate schools, starting in 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the administrative capacity of Laos' government agencies and ministries, contributing to solving priority development issues and strengthening bilateral relations through human networks.

The second project focuses on accelerating the clearance of unexploded ordnance in the southern provinces of Laos, particularly Sekong, Salavan, and Champasak. There are an estimated 80 million unexploded ordnance units remaining from the Vietnam War. The project aims to support clearance activities to improve safety, expand agricultural land, and facilitate infrastructure development, to boost regional development and reduce unexploded ordnance-related casualties.

On June 14, 2024, Japan marked the 70^th anniversary of its ODA program, which garnered global trust over the decades but faces new challenges.

In the late 1980s, Japan became the world’s largest ODA donor, emphasizing long-term, responsible support. This commitment is reflected in Japan’s high trust ratings among ASEAN nations, with 58.9% considering Japan the most trustworthy in the region, particularly with regard to respect for international law. Japanese ODA projects, such as urban rail systems in populous countries like India and Indonesia, underscore this reliability through sustained engagement from planning to maintenance, instilling confidence in partner countries.

Surveys reveal high trust in Japan across ASEAN, India, and Latin America, largely due to perceived friendly relations. Japan’s approach to ODA is characterized by bilateral engagement and cultural exchange, exemplified by the JICA programs, which send volunteers abroad and train foreign personnel in Japan. These interactions create a perception of Japan as a supportive partner, fostering self-reliance rather than dependency.

However, Japan faces challenges in leveraging this trust in the competitive international landscape. Despite its strong reputation, Japan lags behind the US and China in political and economic influence in the region. Addressing common issues like decarbonization and digital transformation through ‘co-creation’ with developing countries is emerging as a new strategy.

Japan’s ODA experience, grounded in its own post-war recovery, offers a unique perspective, but development advocates believe sustaining its influence will require adapting to contemporary global dynamics and reinforcing the tangible benefits of international cooperation to its domestic audience.

On June 11, 2024, Japan hosted the Japan-Ukraine Public-Private Roundtable in Germany to discuss measures for the restoration and reconstruction of Ukraine, involving both public and private sectors.

Approximately 60 Japanese and Ukrainian companies participated in the conference. The meeting aimed to expand cooperation in fields such as agriculture, renewable energy, and housing construction.

In February 2024, during the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction in Tokyo, the two countries agreed on seven key areas of support, including social infrastructure and demining. They signed over 50 cooperation agreements to facilitate specific forms of support.

The restoration of Ukraine’s agriculture is a critical focus, given that agricultural land accounts for 70% of Ukraine’s total land area. Japan plans to sign five memoranda of understanding to bolster Ukraine’s agricultural production. Companies including Yanmar Agribusiness Co. and Kubota Corp. discussed supplying agricultural machinery with Ukrainian authorities. Additionally, the Japanese government pledged to streamline customs clearance procedures to support these initiatives.

In the renewable energy sector, Japan and Ukraine aim to strengthen cooperation in developing wind power and other renewable sources. This initiative aligns with the broader goals discussed during the G7+ energy meeting held on June 11, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Japanese Vice Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Kazuchika Iwata, emphasized Japan’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s energy needs and facilitating collaboration between companies from both nations.

During the Berlin conference, Iwata also met with Polish Special Representative for Ukraine Development Cooperation Pawel Kowal. They discussed enhancing collaboration between Japan and Poland in support of Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, given Poland’s pivotal role in Ukraine’s recovery.