What is JICA?

JICA stands for the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This organization sends Japanese volunteers abroad to assist communities in developing countries, and also provides technical training for young professionals from developing countries. Through these direct forms of interpersonal cooperation, JICA strives to serve as a bridge between Japan and the world.

What is the OIC?

The Okinawa International Center is one of several JICA training centers throughout the country of Japan. It also serves as JICA's regional office, and is responsible for coordinating JOCVs (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers).

OIC 7 main functions

1. Publicity and Promotional Activity on International Cooperation (to educate Okinawans about global issues)
2. Acceptance of Overseas Participants (for development of human resources in developing countries)
3. International Exchange Programs (for intercultural exchange with local communities)
4. Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (for Okinawan youths to join in the effort of developing human resources in developing countries)
5. Emigration Services (support for Japanese immigrant community)
6. Youth Invitation Programmes (for exchange with the youths of developing countries)
7. Other Technical Cooperation Programs
   • Dispatch of technical cooperation experts
   • Development investment programmes
   • Transportation of supplies for disaster relief

Training Program

Every year, several hundred trainees from a variety of fields are selected to receive training at the OIC through cooperation between JICA and the governments of their respective home countries. Many participants come to study e-government promotion, web-applications and other information technology disciplines. Still others learn about environmental preservation (particularly of tropical ecosystems), sustainable agriculture, education and other community-building skills. There are also the occasional specialized courses on medicine and therapy.

Most computer courses are held at the Okinawa International Center in Maeda Urasoe. Other courses are held at Ryukyu University and other area universities, some as far away as Meiyo University in Nago.

Participants reside in dormitories at the Okinawa International Center. They make the most of their time in Okinawa by traveling around the prefecture, learning about the local culture, and visiting Okinawan families when possible.

"So, is it possible to visit the OIC?"

Absolutely! Visitors are most welcome. Simply tell the guard at the gate that you would like to visit, and sign in at the front desk. You can have lunch or dinner in the cafeteria and meet the OIC participants. When else can you be in a room with people from some 40 different countries at the same time!?

The OIC also holds 5 Friendship Seminars every year in cooperation with the Urasoe International Relations Association. These provide a great opportunity to visit the OIC and learn about other countries.

OIC Map and Directions