Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, says cultural exchange remains one of the most effective tools for deepening Ghana–Japan relations.
He described people-to-people engagement as “the most sustainable way to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between the two nations.”
Speaking at the 22nd Ghana Yosakoi Japanese Festival in Accra, Mr Yoshimoto commended the celebration of friendship through dance, martial arts, food, and games, noting that such platforms helped both nations appreciate each other’s traditions.
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The festival, jointly organised by the Embassy of Japan and the Japanese community in Ghana, featured performances by Ghanaian schools, cultural federations, and artists.
The Ambassador noted that Ghana and Japan shared remarkable cultural similarities, particularly in their love for music and rhythm.
“Japan and Ghana have many things in common. For example, we love drumming, and for Ghanaians, drumming is an essential part of life.”
“Through cultural exchanges like today’s event, Japanese and Ghanaian people can come closer to enjoy themselves and build stronger people-to-people relationships,” he said.
Mr Yoshimoto said the festival was a very good opportunity for people in Ghana to experience Japanese traditional events, including food, martial arts and gaming, adding that it allowed young Ghanaians to enjoy themselves and feel the essence of Japanese culture.
He said cultural diplomacy fostered durable connections that transcended politics and economics, and that by encouraging interaction between citizens, both countries cultivated mutual respect and curiosity that inspired cooperation in education, technology, and tourism.
The Ambassador also highlighted the increasing influence of youth and modern culture in sustaining these exchanges.
He said while traditions like Yosakoi dance and martial arts remained vital, newer forms such as anime and gaming have become central to engaging younger generations.
“Culture evolves over time. This year, we invited Japanese arcade gaming developed by Bandai Namco, where Ghanaians can play drums to Japanese cultural music. They seem to be enjoying themselves, and this is how we can exchange cultures at the grassroots level,” he added.
Mr Yoshimoto said investing in youth-oriented cultural initiatives would secure the future of Ghana–Japan friendship.
He said they would like to promote more cultural exchanges by making the most of the attractions of anime and gaming.
GNA
