In 2015, Japan contributed ¥5.96 billion (US$49 million) in mine action funding to 20 countries, as well as to the ICRC and UNMAS.[1] The largest contributions went to Cambodia and Lao PDR, both receiving more than ¥1 billion each ($8.3 million) and representing 45% of Japan’s total funding.

Japan reported contributing nearly ¥2 billion ($16.4 million)—or 33% of its total mine action funding—through UNMAS to support mine action projects in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Iraq, Palestine, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria.

Contributions by recipient: 2015[2]

From 2011–2015, Japan contributed ¥25.4 billion ($262.9 million) to mine action activities; this is approximately one-quarter higher than its total contribution for the previous five-year period from 2006–2010, when it provided ¥21.1 billion ($207.1 million).[3]

Since the end of 2012, the decrease in the value of the yen has had a strong impact on the US dollar value of Japan’s contributions, as illustrated in the table below. For instance, whereas Japan has provided nearly ¥6 billion in 2015, ¥0.8 billion more than in 2014 and representing a 15% increase, the value of its 2015 contribution when expressed in US dollars is almost equivalent to the support provided in 2014.

Summary of contributions: 2011–2015[4]

In September 2016, at the Global Demining Initiative for Colombia Ministerial meeting, Japan announced a pledge of $1.5 million in new funding to the Organization of American States, Handicap International, and Norwegian People’s Aid. Japan has also planned to provide specific training in clearance operations.[5]

In April 2015, Japan reiterated its will to provide “continuous support” to the most heavily mine/explosive remnants of war (ERW)-affected countries, and recognized the importance of providing comprehensive support to victim assistance.[6]