KOROR, Palau — Japan’s Ambassador to Palau, His Excellency Hiroyuki Orikasa, has called on the Palauan government to swiftly approve an amendment to the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) law, warning that failure to do so could end a century-old fishing relationship between Okinawa and Palau.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Minatobashi Bridge renovation project on July 16, Ambassador Orikasa tied Japan’s long-standing support for Palau to ongoing economic and diplomatic cooperation, including fishing rights.
“As a Japanese ambassador, I sincerely request for swift approval of the PNMS amendment bill,” Orikasa stated during his remarks. “If the PNMS amendment bill is not approved, Japanese fishing boats that have continued for over 100 years may no longer be able to fish in Palau waters from next year.”
The proposed amendment would reduce Palau’s renowned protected marine area from 80% to 50%, a change Japan says is critical to allowing Okinawan fishermen continued access to Palau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Orikasa emphasized that this request stems from Japan’s deep historical and cultural ties with Palau, and the importance of sustaining economic opportunities for both countries.
Japan has been one of Palau’s largest and most consistent development partners, contributing to major infrastructure projects like the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, the Babeldaob power distribution network, the national solid waste site, the Koror water system improvement, and now the $12 million renovation of the Minatobashi Bridge. The project, fully funded by Japan, is expected to be completed by April 2027.
“Thanks to the strong collaboration between the people of Palau and Japanese people, we are ready to take the next step and bring the Minatobashi Bridge into reality,” Orikasa said, acknowledging the efforts of local leaders and traditional chiefs in Koror in resolving land acquisition issues that delayed the project.
He also outlined broader areas of Japan-Palau cooperation, including direct flights to promote tourism, a special economic agreement, visa waivers, joint development projects in public health and agriculture, and renewable energy initiatives such as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC).
However, Orikasa also warned that unresolved issues could jeopardize future Japanese aid. Specifically, he pointed to the ongoing investigation into the missing funds from the Grassroots Grant Program (GGP).
The case of missing funds that were awarded to Angaur State during its last administration for a Grassroots improvement project and which, according to authorities, has not been completed and the funds are missing. Minister of Justice Olegeriil confirmed the case is currently under investigation.
“If the GGP missing fund case currently remains unsolved, the Government of Japan will no longer be able to provide funding of $500,000 to $750,000 each year under GGP,” Orikasa said. “I ask for the support of people around to solve these outstanding issues.”
His speech reflects Japan’s growing concern over maritime access and economic influence in the Pacific, particularly amid rising regional competition from China. Orikasa noted that the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum in 2026, hosted by Palau, and the 2027 PALM 11 Summit with Japan, mark a critical time for advancing mutual interests and maintaining Pacific stability.
“Japan and Palau share extremely close relationships in terms of geography, history, blood ties, and culture,” the ambassador said. “Therefore, our relationship is, in Palauan language, tokubetsu— special.”
