Study Group on the Future of Japan’s Contribution to International Peace Cooperation

First meeting of the “Study Group on the Future of Japan’s Contribution to International Peace Cooperation”

1　On Friday, March 21, 2025, the first meeting of the Study Group on the Future of Japan’s Contribution to International Peace Cooperation was held at the Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters, Cabinet Office.

2　This study group aims to hear opinions on the future of Japan's international peace cooperation from a broad range of experts from academia and practice, taking into consideration Japan's accumulated achievements in international peace cooperation during more than 30 years since the enactment of the International Peace Cooperation Law, changes in the international situation including the escalation of regional conflicts, ongoing discussions in global fora on international peace cooperation, and the implementation system based on the current law.

3　Members of the Study Group are as follows;

- INOUE Mika, Professor, Faculty of Global Communication, Toyo Gakuen University

- KIHARA-HUNT Ai, Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo

- SAKANE Koji, former Director of the Sudan Office and the Peacebuilding Division, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), currently attached to the Human Resources Department at JICA

- NACKEN Ritsu, Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Japan

- NISHIDA Ippeita, Senior Research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation

- MATSUMURA Goro, International Security Analyst, Former Commandant, Tohoku Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces

Professor KIHARA-HUNT was appointed as the chairperson of this study group. She is one of the co-authors of the independent study "The Future of Peacekeeping, New Models, and Related Capabilities" commissioned by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations.

4　From the Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters at the Cabinet Office, Mr. MORIKAWA Toru, Director-General, Mr. YOSHIDA Takahiro, Deputy Director-General and Ms. HIDAKA Marie, Counsellor, and relevant parties from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and JICA have participated as observers.

5　In this first meeting, lively discussions were held on the significance of Japan's contribution to international peace cooperation activities, Japan's policy position and selling points, and strategic reform of Japan’s involvement in international peace cooperation. Based on their respective knowledge, the experts offered their views on what policy Japan should follow in the future international peace cooperation efforts, taking into account the current changes in world affairs and Japan's role and status in the international arena.

6　After convening several meetings, this study group plans to publish a "Final Report of Discussions" by the experts.

7　The next meeting is scheduled to be held on Friday, April 25th.

*Posting order and title are subject to change without notice.