This book analyzes the distinctive features of Japan's development aid, especially technical co-operation, in comparison with other donors' aid.

This book analyzes the distinctive features of Japan's development aid, especially technical co-operation, in comparison with other donors' aid. It provides a wealth of material, and discusses important questions, such as whether Japan is behind other leading donor countries in rethinking its aid policy; whether Japan's aid programmes are too donor-led, and insufficiently consultative; whether Japan's aid over-emphasises technical co-operation, and assumes that aid means industrialisation, rather than giving due weight to social needs; and how far Japan's aid is focused on Asia. It assesses the nature and effectiveness of the administration of Japan's aid, and explores the degree of involvement of the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It offers conclusions and policy recommendations on all these points. One important conclusion is that, whatever its shortcomings, Japan's aid is much appreciated by recipient countries.