On October 23, 2026, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held its FY2026 memorial ceremony in front of the "International Cooperation Monument" at its Ichigaya headquarters. The ceremony is held every year to mourn all those who lost their lives while involved in JICA's work, and to renew the pledge to carry out development cooperation with the lives and safety of everyone involved in international cooperation as the top priority.
This year, JICA's President and other executives and staff attended, along with representatives of the Japan Overseas Cooperative Association (JOCA) and Kyoryokutai wo Sodateru Kai, as well as the families of JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers who died while on assignment. In his address, the President said that development cooperation is essential for overcoming compounding crises, protecting human security, and supporting Japan's prosperity and peace, and that protecting the lives and safety of those involved must come first in carrying it out. He also stressed that each person should take concrete actions to stay safe, and expressed a firm determination to pass on past serious incidents as part of the organization's memory so that such tragedies never happen again.
This year marks the 72nd anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the 61st year since the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program began. The "International Cooperation Monument," where the ceremony took place, was proposed by a group of JICA staff to honor the achievements of those who passed away and to carry on their spirit. It was erected in 1993 with donations and support from nearly 1,900 people in Japan and around the world and many organizations. The monument bears the words "Toward a better future, together."
Key points
- Every year, JICA holds a memorial ceremony in front of the "International Cooperation Monument" for those who died while involved in its work
- In his address, the President said that protecting the lives and safety of those involved is the top priority in development cooperation
- The "International Cooperation Monument" was erected in 1993 with donations from nearly 1,900 people
Why This News Deserves Attention
International cooperation is carried out in faraway places, sometimes alongside real danger. This ceremony quietly reminds us that behind 72 years of ODA and 61 years of Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, there are people who lost their lives along the way.
The stance of passing on past events as organizational memory and putting safety first is a valuable lesson not only for JICA but also for NGOs and volunteers working overseas.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“Learning that, over 72 years of ODA and 61 years of Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, some people died before they could finish their work hit me hard. Knowing bereaved families attended too, I feel the weight of holding this ceremony every year.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“Like Aoba, I was moved by the people behind that long journey. The words about passing on past events as organizational memory carry, I think, a strong wish that the same sorrow never be repeated.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“I deeply agree with you both. That the monument was built with donations from nearly 1,900 people shows how colleagues refused to forget those who died. Putting safety first may be the truest way to honor their hopes.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“News about international cooperation tends to focus on new projects and results, but among those who built this long journey are people who died before they could finish their work. With the words on the monument, "Toward a better future, together," in mind, why not take a moment to think about the safety of people working in the field, and what it means to carry on their hopes?”