Japan
Japan
Japan supports community center activities in Zaatari camp, Jordan, contributing to improve the social cohesion, well-being, and resilience of the refugee community.
Japan is one of UNHCR’s most prominent partners, and its support for important global initiatives such as the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus, Human Security, and Sustainable Development Goals highlights Japan’s leadership on displacement issues.
Japan's support for UNHCR
The partnership with Japan is steeped in history. Having joined the Executive Committee for UNHCR in 1979, Japan remains an important supporter of UNHCR both politically and financially. In addition, the visionary leadership of former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, who led UNHCR from 1991 to 2000, played a pivotal role in guiding UNHCR through one of its most momentous decades and has been key to cementing UNHCR's partnership with Japan.
Japan’s financial support to UNHCR has allowed for an effective and efficient response throughout the years to address acute humanitarian needs, both in emergencies and in protracted situations. Japan was one of the first donors to step up in the COVID-19 response (2020) and the Ukraine emergency (2022) and will remain a major partner in response to future crises. Japan’s dedication to the refugee cause can also be seen in the commitment of Japan to the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program.
Japan has actively promoted the HDP nexus as a solution for today’s complex humanitarian crises, providing funding support to both UNHCR’s humanitarian and development projects. Japan is also a major driving force behind the whole-of-society approach and the enhanced roles of host countries and communities under the Global Compact on Refugees. Against this backdrop, Japan became one of the co-convenors of the Global Refugee Forum in 2023.
UNHCR works closely with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs including through:
- Embassies around the world
- the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- municipalities and parliament
- civil society
- the private sector.
Japan country page
Visit the Japan country page for more statistics on refugees and asylum-seekers in the country.
Japan website
Visit the UNHCR Japan website for more information on our work in the area and the latest local news and stories.
Overview of support in 2025
The charts below present data on funding received from both private sector and government contributions.
Earmarking of funding from Japan
Contributions dashboard
The total contributions shown include contributions from the government and the private sector. Visit our donor ranking page to learn where Japan stands among other donors according to their contributions.
UNHCR’s national partner in Japan (Japan for UNHCR) channels support from the private sector, mobilizing $66.9 million in 2025 in vital resources for displaced communities worldwide.
National partner: Japan for UNHCR
Japan for UNHCR was established in 2000 as the official National Partner of the UN Refugee Agency in Japan. As a non-profit organization, it connects Japanese civil society with refugees and aid workers on the frontlines of humanitarian response.
With the support of generous individuals, companies, and foundations, Japan for UNHCR raises vital funds and promotes awareness of global displacement. Through events, media engagement, and outreach, it fosters lasting solidarity between Japan and people forced to flee, making civil society a powerful force in advancing protection and dignity for refugees.
Total contribution in 2025:
$66.9 million
In 2025, Japan for UNHCR contributed $66.9 million to UNHCR, representing 39% of the total contribution from Japan.
Private donors in Japan
To see all private donors in Japan who contributed to UNHCR’s operations and programmes in 2024 with $7.6 million, visit the dedicated section of the Global Report.
Stories from the field
