Japan's National Day: Ambassador Endo Reaffirms Strong Ties with Kurdistan, Highlights Key Development Initiatives
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 English, Akira Endo, the Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations with the Kurdistan Region.
Speaking on the occasion of Japan’s National Day, which the Japanese Embassy and Consulate are celebrating in Erbil on Thursday, the ambassador reflected on Japan’s contributions to the region and underscored the importance of continued cooperation.
A Renewed Commitment to Partnership
Marking Japan’s National Day, Ambassador Endo emphasized Japan’s global commitment to peace and stability and highlighted its long-standing friendship with the Kurdistan Region. "We, as a true friend of the Kurdistan Region and promoter of universal values, would like to renew our resolve to continue working with the people and the Government of the Kurdistan Region to realize a peaceful and prosperous world," he stated.
The ambassador also shed light on the significance of Japan’s National Day, which commemorates the birthday of Emperor Naruhito. As the 126th emperor of Japan, His Majesty symbolizes Japan’s enduring cultural and historical heritage, spanning over 2,600 years.
Deepening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
Ambassador Endo outlined Japan’s extensive development initiatives in the Kurdistan Region, particularly through infrastructure projects financed by Japan’s Yen Loan program. Since 2003, Japan has invested in key sectors, including electricity, water supply, and sewage infrastructure, with multi-million-dollar projects that have significantly improved living standards in the Kurdistan Region.
Completed projects include:
A: Electricity Sector Rehabilitation Project ($120M, completed in 2018)
B: Water Supply Improvement Project ($351M, completed in 2022)
C: Dereluc Hydroelectric Generation Plant Project ($186M, nearing finalization)
D: Ongoing Sewage Construction Project ($288M)
E: Supporting Education Sector (Dustapa Primary and High School in Erbil which incorporates Japanese-style education methods, completed in 2025)
These initiatives facilitated through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), provide Kurdistan with internationally recognized infrastructure while promoting technology transfer through Japanese companies. The ambassador noted that JICA’s funding model offers lower interest rates and extended repayment periods, making it a sustainable development approach for the Kurdistan Region.
Enhancing People-to-People Relations
Beyond economic collaboration, Japan is actively fostering cultural and educational ties with the Kurdistan Region. The ambassador highlighted the role of the International Volunteer of Yamagata (IVY), a Japanese NGO that has supported displaced persons and refugees while rehabilitating 37 schools in Iraq since 2014.
A significant milestone in this effort will be the inauguration of Dustapa Primary and High School in Erbil on February 27. The school, built by IVY, incorporates Japanese-style teaching methods aimed at enhancing educational quality in the Kurdistan Region.
"People-to-people exchanges play an important role in deepening mutual understanding," Ambassador Endo stressed, adding that Japan remains dedicated to further strengthening these ties through cultural and educational initiatives.
A Future of Continued Collaboration
Since opening its Consular Office in Erbil in 2017, Japan has continued to solidify its relationship with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Ambassador Endo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the region’s economic and social development through both public and private sector investments.
"As we move forward, Japan will remain a steadfast partner of the Kurdistan Region," he concluded, emphasizing Japan’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and prosperity in the region, particularly for its younger generations.
With a history of strong cooperation and a future filled with strategic partnerships, Japan and the Kurdistan Region continue to build a relationship grounded in mutual respect, development, and shared prosperity.
Full Transcript of the Interview
Q1: What is your message to the people of the Kurdistan Region on Japan’s National Day?
A: Japan has succeeded in its reconstruction for the last 80 years and has become a country that respects universal values and the spirit of international cooperation. It continues to facilitate mutual understanding and cooperation among different stakeholders to realize peace and stability in the region and around the globe.
On the occasion of our National Day, we, as a true friend of the Kurdistan Region and promoter of universal values, would like to renew our resolve to continue working with the people and the Government of the Kurdistan Region to work hand in hand to realize a peaceful and prosperous world.
Q2: What does Japan’s National Day mean to Japanese citizens?
A: Japan traditionally celebrates the birthdays of the emperors as a national day. The Imperial House of Japan has a history spanning over 2,600 years and is thought to be the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. The first Emperor, Emperor Jimmu, ascended the throne in 660 B.C. The current Emperor of Japan acceded to the throne on May 1st, 2019, becoming the 126th Emperor, and on February 23rd of this year, His Majesty the Emperor turns 65 years old. I believe that His Majesty’s Birthday is a great opportunity for the Japanese people to renew their respect for His Majesty and to give thought to the long history and tradition of the Imperial House and the Japanese nation.
Q3: How would you describe the diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Japan and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)?
A: Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, has come a long way towards realizing peace and stability. Japan, both its government and its people, has always supported the Government and people of Kurdistan Region’s efforts towards building a peaceful and prosperous society by such means as assisting in various fields such as infrastructure, health, education, and cultural promotion.
Speaking of infrastructure projects, the Government of Japan has contributed to KRG’s basic infrastructure development through Yen Loan since 2003. As proven in the past, Yen Loan projects have many advantages. Infrastructure construction and project management that meets international standards can support the further strengthening of the Kurdish economy.
Japanese companies participating in Yen Loan projects will also be able to transfer advanced technology into the Kurdistan Region. In addition, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) implementing agency, offers much lower interest rates and longer repayment periods than those of the other donors.
Until now, we have completed the “electricity sector rehabilitation project” of $120M in 2018 and the “water supply improvement project” of $351M in 2022.
Regarding the “Dereluc hydroelectric generation plant project” worth $186M, the construction of the generation plant financed by Yen Loan was completed in 2022, and at this moment, the remaining construction financed by KRG is in the final phase.
And now a “sewage construction project” worth $288M is underway. We are sure that these projects contribute to creating a better living for the people in the Kurdistan Region.
It is needless to say that people-to-people exchange plays an important role in deepening mutual understanding between Japan and the Kurdistan Region and for sharing the wisdom and knowledge of both sides.
I would like to draw your attention to the projects being implemented by the Japanese non-governmental organization International Volunteer of Yamagata (IVY) as one good example of people-to-people exchange. IVY has been playing an essential role for the people of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, by providing daily necessities to IDPs and refugees, as well as building and rehabilitating 37 schools since 2014.
On February 27th, I will attend the opening ceremony of Dustapa Primary and High School built by IVY in Dutapa village in Erbil. Last year, IVY started introducing Japanese-style education methods to the teachers in this school. This will contribute to improving the quality of education in the Kurdistan Region.
In conclusion, Japan and the Kurdistan Region have been enjoying a great friendship. With a view to further strengthening our relationship, Japan established the Consular Office in Erbil in 2017. Building on this cordial relationship, we are resolved to further promote the relationship between Japan and the Kurdistan Region.
We also continue supporting the efforts of the KRG and further contributing to the economic and social development of the Region to realize sustainable growth driven by both the public and private sectors. I sincerely hope that these endeavors will benefit the young generations who bear the future of the Region.
