Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Zimbabwe and Japan continue to enjoy flourishing bilateral relations, benefiting a wide range of sectors including art, music, sport, and business.
Recently, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Zimbabwe announced the arrival of five new Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) in Zimbabwe, set for diverse assignments across the country.
According to JICA, “The volunteers are currently undergoing a one-month orientation and local language training (Shona or IsiNdebele) in Harare before beginning activities at their respective places of assignment in mid-September. We hope they will enjoy living and working alongside the local people, while strengthening the bonds between Japan and Zimbabwe.”
The move comes amid high-level engagements between the two nations. On Wednesday, Prime Minister of Japan, Ishiba Shigeru, held a summit with President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic relations through dialogue with Japanese companies.
These skilled young professionals are expected to bring diverse expertise to crucial sectors, sharing knowledge and fostering mutual understanding.
The new cohort includes: Rinako Shirai, a museology volunteer enhancing curatorial practices at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo; Mei Joichi, a music teacher nurturing talent at Midlands State University (MSU); Shunsuke Iguchi, a soccer coach also at MSU, Kotono Mizutani, serving as youth activity officer with Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD), strengthening youth and community initiatives; Haruka Ina, contributing as a business administration officer within the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
For the MSU volunteer, efforts came through an appeal by celebrated musician and administrator, Edith WeUtonga and the work that she is doing through JICA.
On July 16, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko attended the Zimbabwe National Day event at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, where he met with President Mnangagwa, highlighting the ongoing collaboration.
The arrival of these volunteers marks another significant step in the enduring partnership between Japan and Zimbabwe, focusing on capacity building, skills development, and cultural exchange across key sectors. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Bongani Ndlovu