Through its office in Tokyo, the ICRC is making its humanitarian work and IHL better known to the Japanese public, while offering its expertise and services to government, the Japanese Red Cross, academic circles and think tanks.

The ICRC advises and assists the Japanese government in transposing IHL into domestic legislation. It also acts as a resource centre for the Japanese government in connection with such events as festivals, symposia and moot courts for students.

The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) and the ICRC work together on the promotion of IHL, the restoration of family links and the provision of humanitarian assistance abroad. Several JRCS staff are working with the ICRC abroad.

The ICRC trains Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) personnel on humanitarian law and holds briefings for the JSDF on recent humanitarian activities.

Japan’s ratification of the Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions prompted increased academic interest in international humanitarian law, and the ICRC maintains contact with academic associations and think tanks.

Finally, much IHL-related material is being translated into Japanese. DVDs, pamphlets and articles are available on the web or from the ICRC’s Tokyo office.


Presence (2009): 1 person