Exchange of Views with Representatives of the World Bank Group’s Tokyo Offices
March 24, 2026
Tokyo

On March 24, the Japan Chapter of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank, or PNoWB Japan, chaired by Ichiro Aisawa, exchanged views with representatives from the Tokyo offices of the World Bank Group, including the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The meeting was moderated by Secretary-General Masahiro Komura. Hiroshi Takami, Special Representative, Japan of the World Bank Tokyo Office, Tadashi Yokoyama, Director of IFC Tokyo Office, and Susumu Takahashi, Head of Japan at MIGA gave presentations on the role and activities of their respective institutions, activities at the Washington headquarters in light of recent international developments, and operations at their respective offices. This was followed by a Q&A session, where lively discussions were held on (1) the World Bank’s strategy for creating more jobs, when job creation is a key policy priority for the Bank, (2) how World Bank Group support relates to China's own development assistance to developing countries, (3) plans for reconstruction support for Ukraine and Iran, and (4) current status of and challenges in recruiting Japanese staff.

Chairman Aisawa made the following comments: Given the current international situation, the role of the World Bank is increasingly important; the global population is estimated to increase from the current 8 billion to 10 billion, and from 1.5 billion to 4 billion in Africa. We should keep these figures in mind and work together to ensure that the World Bank fulfills its role.

From the Government of Japan, officials from Japan’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting.