“Japanese Day”(26th and 28th February, 2014)

(Left: The auditorium of College St. Andre, Karate demonstration by Dr. Harano)

(Lecture by the JAAR members)

On 26th and 28th February 2014, the Embassy of Japan organized a cultural event “JAPANESE DAY” at College St. André and Umuco Mwiza School respectively. The objective of this event was to explain to students/pupils the Japanese lifestyle and culture.


At the College St. André, about 320 students attended. The event was started with a Karate (*) demonstration by Dr. Kazuyoshi Harano of the Embassy. After the demonstration, a documentary commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan demonstrating the evolution of Japanese technology, such as the Ultra-Light Weight Vehicle, Sightseeing Train and Hydroponic Farming together with the Japanese way of life was broadcasted. Then, two members of JAAR (JICA Alumni Association in Rwanda) shared with students their experience while they studied in Japan.

After the event, a student commented “Today, we have learned more about Japan; Japanese people respect others, and respect time teaching us how it is important to be always on time.”

At Umuco Mwiza Shool, about 80 pupils attended. The event was characterized by singing Japanese songs by Mrs. Sakamoto, a Japanese opera singer, Calligraphy Session, Rwandan Dance by students from Umuco Mwiza. The event ended with a show of a beautiful Japanese animated film “Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below.”

Mr. Tomio Sakamoto, counsellor of the Embassy made remarks; “Since the opening of the Embassy in January 2010, we are here to strengthen our existing friendship and to create more opportunities of cultural exchange.”
(*) Karate: an ancient Japanese martial art developed in Okinawa, southern part of Japan

（Left: Umuco Mwiza School, Right: Counsellor Sakamoto）

(Left: Mrs. Sakamoto, an opera singer, Right: Rwandan traditional dance by pupils)

(Left: Pupils from the Umuco Mwiza school, Right: Pupils trying Japanese calligraphy)

（左：Japanese calligraphy session，　右：Movie session）

Article in “The New Times”