In this project briefing, seven ebpdn partners look to Japan for leadership on setting the aid agenda in 2008. Based on country-level research they recommend that: More official development assistance in the form of multi-year grants is needed to allow flexibility in investment, especially within the social sectors; Japan has made progress in untying its aid, and other donors should follow suit. However, untying should be accompanied by increased technical assistance and capacity building for local companies; Donors should work to establish sustained participation from civil society through institutionalising consultation and funding mechanisms and through greater organisational transparency.