Japan International Cooperation Agency -Yokohama center-

In 2021, JICA Yokohama refurbished its exhibitions and the facility interior based on the idea of incorporating artwork around an international cooperation theme. Multiple creative personalities were involved in this renovation project, including Japanese-Brazilian artists, artists with a background as Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, and other artists with a deep connection to JICA Yokohama projects, as well as illustrators and architects. Enjoy a work on the history of migration by a Japanese-Brazilian artist, a participatory work created by a former Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer, a panel exhibit in a space based on the concepts of land and sea, and other unique exhibits and art on international cooperation and Nikkei communities.

These works are all based around the themes of "enjoying learning" and "relaxing viewing" experiences. All of these art and exhibit designs were created for JICA Yokohama by sincerely passionate artists and other creatives, based on the theme of international cooperation and Nikkei support programs run by JICA Yokohama. These works can only be seen here. Please come enjoy the works and exhibits to be found throughout JICA Yokohama. (All photos by Ken Kato)

The first-floor exhibition showcases JICA's vision and the international cooperation projects in which it is engaged across the world, as well as various projects pursued by JICA Yokohama and SDGs.

This exhibition was designed by dot architects, a group engaged in architectural design among various other activities, whose themes for the exhibition were "the sea" and "the various regions of the world where people live (continents and islands)." The blue-painted benches on the lower area symbolize the sea, while the various colorful tower-like structures in the upper area represent the diversity and character of areas throughout the world.

UMA/design farm was responsible for the graphic design which successfully demonstrates, and the result is an easy-to-follow educational exhibition that mixes both photos and pictures. This is a space where one can relax while still learning about international cooperation in a fun, lively environment.

The first-floor Special Exhibition Area hosts special exhibitions every few months. Feel free to enjoy any of the relevant books on the area's bookrack.

The exhibition on the second floor showcases JICA's support programs for Nikkei communities. JICA provides support for primarily migrants to Latin America to help them settle into stable lives at their destinations. Initiatives currently being implemented primarily include welfare for the elderly and personnel training to address issues related to generational transitions within Nikkei communities, as well as more recent years' initiatives targeting harmonious multicultural communities.

The roughly 3.6 million Japanese-descended migrants and their descendants located throughout the world are flourishing in a variety of different fields and play important roles in their destination countries' development, in addition to serving as important partners or bridges with Japan. JICA is shoring up its initiatives focused on collaboration and cooperation with these Nikkei communities to further strengthen their connections with Japan. As with the Project Showcase Exhibition on the first floor, this exhibition was also designed by dot architects and is based on the themes of the sea and continental regions of the world. The dark blue and the upper level's light blue evoke the sea, based on the concepts of the port city of Yokohama and the Japanese migrants who voyaged overseas by ship.

Located in one of the migrant ships' departure cities of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, the Japanese Overseas Migration Museum was opened simultaneously with the establishment of JICA Yokohama in 2002 to educate the public about the history of Japanese migration overseas, the countries to which Japanese migrants travelled, the roles played by migrants and their contributions to Japan, and their current status.

Because one of JICA’s predecessor organizations played a part in post-war migration programs for Latin America, this exhibition focuses primarily on migration to Latin America as well as earlier migrant destinations such as Hawaii and elsewhere in North America. To commemorate its 20th year, the exhibition was partly updated in April 2022 to reflect the experiences of people of Japanese descent and the diversification of their community in recent years.

The Japanese Overseas Migration Museum Reference Room contains around 20,000 reference materials and documents on overseas migration. It is open to any resident, student, or researcher with an interest in the history of overseas migration or related topics. On April 1, 2013, as per Article 5-1(4) of the Order for Enforcement of the Public Records and Archives Management Act, this Museum was designated an Historical Materials etc. Holding Facility by the Prime Minister of Japan. In the Reference Room, visitors can read open-access materials as well as view important visual materials, newsletters from organizations for Japanese-descended people, etc.

The library contains around 10,000 books, JICA-published reports, videos, and other materials pertaining to international cooperation and development education. Individuals are allowed to borrow up to five items per person. The library also hosts seasonal special exhibitions, readings in multiple languages, and other events. Visitors can also use the library’s copying and reference services. For more information, feel free to ask at the counter.

BOOK PORT is a lounge based on the concept of a relaxed learning space with books offering various reading experiences through which thoughts about Japan and the world can be shared. Books recommended by the librarians of JICA Yokohama Library are collected here. This is a space where visitors can relax with a book to enjoy a journey of the mind from Yokohama to other parts of the world.

Located on the third floor, the Port Terrace Cafe offers a fantastic view of the Port of Yokohama overlooking the Red Brick Warehouse, Bay Bridge, and other locations. The cafe is a restaurant equipped with an open space featuring art pieces and outdoor terrace seating. The cafe's lunch and dinner menus feature over 20 types of cuisine from around the world, reflecting the international character of JICA Yokohama and its many short- and long-term visitors from overseas Enjoy tea or a meal while enjoying an incredible view.

From the terrace seating overlooking the Port of Yokohama, visitors can enjoy relaxing meals on sofas and take in views of the garden designed by Mark Chapman.

The garden is split into five areas: “The Rainbow Garden” based on the colors of the rainbow, “The Herb Garden” where various herbs are grown, “The Waterfall Garden“ built on sloping land, a “Containers” area bringing together perennial plants, and “The Terrace Garden”, which contains a curious collection of diverse plants including shrubs, perennials, and bulbs.