We Are Tomodachi Summer 2018

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10apan supports Africa withissues ranging from povertyto confl ict resolution despite thetwo regions’ physical and culturaldistances. New levels of stabilityand more developed economiesclose the gap and open doorwaysto further development.In June, the African DiplomaticCorps hosted a festival called AfricaNow in Hibiya Park, Tokyo. Theevent aimed to bring the two regionseven closer, introducing Africanculture to Japan. It drew reasonablysized crowds, and Embassies from38 African countries based in Tokyoshowcased their uniqueness throughfood, fashion, and lifestyle.With a similar goal in mind, theJapanese government establishedthe African Business EducationInitiative (ABE Initiative) in 2014,and it is already yielding strongresults. For eligible young Africanmen and women, this two-yearprogram provides an opportunityto study at Japanese graduate schoolsand intern with Japanese companies.Between 2014 and 2017, the programwelcomed 1,100 Africans. It’s alsoan excellent opportunity for youngAfricans to immerse themselves inJapanese culture. The experiencesand networks they develop willserve them in building bridgesbetween Japanese and Africanbusinesses.Nurturing youth and offeringthem deep knowledge of both Japanand Africa will provide unlimitedemployment opportunities. Theseinitiatives evolve into a mutualsupport system in society, contributingto industrial development. It’s aninitiative designed to bring thecontinent of Africa a little closerto Japan.JNew initiatives promote talent-exchange and human resource developmentUniting Africa and JapanFEATURE Japan in AfricaThe Africa Now festival, held in Hibiya Park, June 2018.In the event, live music, dancing, tourism and handicraftswere introduced. Japan’s Foreign Minister, Taro Kono,attended the opening of the event and visited each boothof 38 African Embassies.