Applications for Japan's version of the Peace Corps are running at extremely low levels due to security concerns raised by the Sept. 11 terror attacks, according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

JICA, which runs the program to send young volunteers to developing countries, began accepting submissions for its fall openings on Oct. 15. In the first week, it received only 53 applications, down 75 percent from the same period last year.

There are openings for around 800 volunteers, the agency said.