ABSTRACT
This book, hitherto, explored Japanese humanitarian ideas and humanitarian activities from cultural and historical points of view. This chapter looks at Japanese humanitarian ideas and assistance in a specific case; humanitarian assistance in East Timor after 1999. The purpose is to examine whether the explorations in previous chapters fully explain Japanese humanitarian ideas and assistance. The chapter is, thus, based on comments and information obtained through field interviews carried out in East Timor and Japan as well as observations during the interview periods.1 Interviews were conducted with Japanese nationals who have been working in humanitarian areas: in relief organizations including NGOs, UN agencies, government agencies and academia.2 The chapter aims to illustrate humanitarian ideas, the idea of human rights, the idea of universality and the application of these ideas among Japanese people who engage in humanitarian activities. Professionals from different fields were interviewed for the purpose of capturing a wide representation of opinion and perceptions on the issue.3 The case of East Timor focuses on the situation after the turmoil in 1999 in order to look at Japanese humanitarian activities and actions. Findings from the field study are utilized to assess the application of Japanese humanitarian ideas to empirical practice.
