Japan’s international cooperation from ODA to OSA—Origins, evolution, and emerging trends

This paper examines the origins, evolution, and emerging trends in Japan’s international cooperation, focusing on its Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the newer Official Security Assistance (OSA). While initially aimed at diplomatic normalization, Japan’s approach has consistently aligned with economic interests, evolving into a strategic tool to elevate its global stature and recently toward national security in response to a more volatile geopolitical landscape. This strategic recalibration not only serves Japan’s security interests but also supports economic revitalization, particularly through defense-related industries. Despite this shift, Japan continues to promote human security, emphasizing dignity and freedom from fear and want. Looking ahead, its cooperation is likely to be shaped by two trajectories: one shaped by security imperatives, the other by human security values. These dual trajectories reveal a dynamic of mutual appropriation—where each agenda leverages elements of the other to further its own aims—and underlying tension between their respective priorities.