Japan is stepping up to support Ukraine in rebuilding its war-torn infrastructure, with approximately 20 Japanese companies and government organizations, including Sumitomo Corp. and Rakuten Group, gearing up for significant involvement. These projects, set to commence this year, will predominantly focus on western Ukraine, a region less affected by the ongoing conflict.
In a concerted effort to aid Ukraine’s economic recovery, Japanese and Ukrainian representatives will sign memorandums of understanding at a conference scheduled next month in Tokyo. This conference, dedicated to Ukraine’s economic revival, promises to unveil specific project details.
Japan’s approach to assisting Ukraine is strategically civilian-focused, due to its limitations on fiscal and military cooperation. In the telecommunications sector, Rakuten Symphony will partner with a major Ukrainian telecom firm to develop a communications network featuring open radio access networks (O-RAN), which facilitate compatibility with equipment from various telecom manufacturers.
The renewable energy sector will also see Japanese involvement. Komaihaltec is set to install wind-power generators at facilities run by Ukraine’s state-owned gas company, ensuring power supply continuity in case of electricity disruptions.
Sumitomo, a diversified trading conglomerate, plans to collaborate with a Ukrainian energy company to replace outdated Soviet-era gas equipment with more efficient systems. This initiative underscores Japan’s commitment to modernizing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
In addition to physical infrastructure, cybersecurity is a key focus area. Global Security Experts is poised to conduct field tests on technology designed to protect a major Ukrainian power provider from cyberattacks.
The Japanese government is actively participating in these rebuilding efforts. The land ministry will set up a forum to discuss Ukrainian infrastructure development, while the environmental ministry eyes a memorandum of understanding to leverage Japanese decarbonization technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The February recovery conference will also highlight Japan’s broader support strategies, encompassing mine clearing, debris removal, business environment improvement, agricultural efficiency, and new industry development such as biotechnology.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, along with representatives from Japan’s Business Federation (Keidanren) and various Japanese startups, are expected to attend the conference. Japanese government-affiliated agencies will also participate, establishing a regular dialogue framework between the two nations’ cabinet officials to finalize cooperation details.
These efforts by Japan, including visits by government officials and business leaders to Ukraine, demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, focusing on long-term infrastructure and economic recovery.
