Fuku Suzuki named new JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer character

Actor Fuku Suzuki has been appointed as the new image character for the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JICA), ahead of the autumn 2026 recruitment period starting September 2. During a press conference in Tokyo, Suzuki shared experiences from filming a promotional commercial in Zambia.

Suzuki described Zambia as a joyful country and recounted celebrating his birthday with local music and dance. He noted cultural observations, such as the popularity of matcha in Zambia compared to the lack of interest in red bean paste (anko). Suzuki expressed an increased interest in international cooperation, stating his desire to contribute to the betterment of both Japan and the world.

The JICA program dispatches Japanese volunteers aged 20 to 69 to developing nations based on local requests. As of March 2024, approximately 1,500 volunteers are active in 74 countries across more than 170 occupations.