Japan has an impressive history as a leading international donor. Yet with the advent of the new millennium, the country finds itself at a political, economic, social and cultural crossroads as it faces the challenges of a rebalancing world with powerful new players.

Against this backdrop the UK Office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has commissioned ODI to carry out a study on “Informing the future of Japan’s ODA” to help inform future ODA policy discussions within the Japanese government.

The study seeks to address this overarching question in three different phases:

1. To analyse the history and evolution of the Japanese development assistance model in an effort to identify its contemporary value within an evolving development landscape.
2. To analyse whether the distinctive characteristics of Japan’s ODA can be practically applied to meet some of the current and emerging challenges facing African countries and what lessons may emerge for more effective engagement in Africa in the future
3. To focus on how Japan can enhance its profile and influence within an increasingly competitive marketplace.