Although Japan's assistance in constructing modern legal systems in Asian nations began in 1962 when the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders was created, serious assistance in terms of ODA, including the participation by the private sector, commenced in 1996. After introducing market-oriented economic reforms, the Vietnamese government requested Japan's guidance and advice that year in creating a modern legal system necessary for its transition.

Thereafter, utilizing our accumulated experience, we began to assist in writing a draft for the Civil Law and the Civil Proceedings Act for Cambodia. Moreover, requests for assistance have increased. Not only is Japan assisting governments, but it is also actively supporting private sector, NGOs and academic efforts as well. What are the current circumstances surrounding Japan's assistance in building modern legal systems for Asian nations? Also, what are some of the problems we are facing when providing such assistance?