As part of the JICA Chair, the first class was held on February 24 in the Japanese language laboratory. It consisted in the screening of a documentary on the Meiji era, a period during which important political and economic changes took place in the heart of Japan and which also marked its opening to the Western world, gradually leading to its development. Indeed, Japan had abandoned the feudal system of the Samurai for the establishment of a democratic system led by an Emperor. Moreover, Japan had known how to marry the Western culture to the Japanese customs and traditions. It was also during this Meiji period that the industrial and educational reform of Japan was accomplished. The JICA Chair aims to share with the audience Japan’s experience in political, economic and cultural development through the screening of this documentary film on the Meiji era. The next session will be held on March 03. The JICA Chair recalling it, is a cooperation between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the University of Antananarivo aiming to share the Japanese experience in development to students of Ambohitsaina.