1. Japan and South Africa share 116 years of diplomatic relations, which were elevated to a Strategic Cooperation Partnership in 2010. How would you describe the evolution of this relationship, and what does this strategic partnership mean in practical terms today?
Our diplomatic relationship traces its origins to 1910, when Japan established an Honorary Consul in Cape Town. Since then, our two nations have deepened mutual trust and understanding.
In particular, ties entered a new era after South Africa’s democratic transition in 1994. Japan, a steadfast supporter of peaceful reform, was among the first Asian nations to re-engage with the new South Africa, and our partnership has since flourished through frequent multi-layered exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas.
Last year, our bilateral relations developed particularly strongly. In August, Japan hosted the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, in which President Cyril Ramaphosa participated. Earlier, in March, we received Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s mission to Japan. In turn, Prime Minister TAKAICHI travelled to Johannesburg in November to participate in the G20 Summit.
It was a year in which Japan and South Africa worked closely—linking the achievements of TICAD9 with those of the G20—to articulate a shared vision for Africa’s future and to reaffirm our joint commitment to addressing global challenges.
The world is currently undergoing major structural change. In such a situation, Japan think it is essential that the values and principles of freedom, openness, inclusivity, and the rule of law be shared and respected in order to guide the international community toward cooperation rather than division.
Japan and South Africa share these fundamental values and principles. Together with South Africa, which plays an active and responsible role in the international community, Japan is committed to working toward the realization of a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and to building a better world.
2. Japan is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners and a major investor, with more than 270 Japanese companies operating locally and supporting over 200,000 jobs. What factors continue to make South Africa an attractive destination for Japanese investment?
South Africa is well known for its agricultural production and abundant mineral resources. At the same time, it has developed strong industrial supply chains and possesses a robust financial sector. For these reasons, Japanese companies regard South Africa not only as an attractive market, but also as a gateway to the African continent as a whole.
The activities of Japan’s automotive industry in South Africa are a prime example. Japanese companies invest in South Africa, manufacture vehicles locally, and export them primarily to markets across African continent. In addition to vehicle assembly plants, many Japanese auto parts manufacturers have also established operations here, which contribute to a higher domestic production in South Africa. Through these activities, Japanese companies contribute significantly to job creation in South Africa.
South Africa’s firmly rooted democracy is another important attraction. Since its transition in 1994, the country has maintained political stability.
Through trade, investment, and job creation, Japan seeks to support South Africa’s technological innovation and economic development. The Government of Japan will continue to work closely with the Government of South Africa to further improve the business environment and strengthen our economic partnership.
3. Looking ahead, what new trade and investment opportunities do you see emerging between Japan and South Africa over the next decade?
In the field of energy transition, at the time of TICAD9, Japan announced its intention to provide a yen loan, the “Energy Sector Program Loan,” to support reforms in South Africa’s energy sector.
In addition, in November last year, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on decarbonization with South Africa’s Department of Electricity and Energy and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. This MOC establishes a broad framework for cooperation, covering South Africa’s energy transition plans, clean energy such as hydrogen and ammonia, Carbon Capture・Utilization and Storage (CCUS), digital technologies including smart grids, transition finance, as well as industrial decarbonization and cooperation in the field of critical minerals.
In the agricultural sector, Japan is the world’s largest importer of South African rooibos tea. Since 2024, South African fresh avocados have also been exported to Japan. If South African agricultural products become more well-known in Japan, further expansion of trade can be expected.
In the current international environment, strengthening supply chains for critical minerals has become an urgent priority. As a country rich in mineral resources, South Africa is an important partner, and we look forward to expanding cooperation in this field.
4. Tourism plays an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties. What opportunities exist to encourage more South Africans to visit Japan, and how can tourism exchanges be further enhanced?
Active people-to-people exchanges have long formed the foundation of our bilateral friendship. To date, more than 2,200 South Africans have participated in JICA training programs across a wide range of fields, including education, energy, and agriculture. Approximately 1,000 young South Africans have taken part in the JET Program, as English teachers in Japanese schools. In addition, more than 100 South African students have studied in Japan under the Japanese Government Scholarship program. I believe it is important to further strengthen these programs and steadily expand the community of Japan-friends in South Africa.
In the field of tourism, it is important that as many South Africans as possible discover the attractions of Japan. Last year, approximately 8,300 South Africans visited Japan for short-term stays, while approximately 13,000 Japanese travelers visited South Africa.
Our Embassy plans to host a Japan Festival at Menlyn Main in June, and we hope many people will join us to experience Japanese culture. We also aim to create more opportunities for people to enjoy Japanese cuisine, as well as to enhance initiatives such as the Japanese Film Festival and other cultural events.
Japan and South Africa also enjoy active sports exchanges. Currently, more than 50 South African rugby players and coaches are active in Japan. On the occasion of last November’s international test match between Japan’s Brave Blossoms and Springboks, our Embassy hosted a public viewing event, welcoming many representatives from government and the sports community. It was an excellent platform for exchange. We hope to expand such initiatives and create further opportunities to highlight the broad ties between our two countries.
I would like to note that, at Kruger National Park, a Japanese female safari guide is actively working with South Africa’s professional guiding qualification. She is well known in Japan, and many Japanese tourists visit South Africa to experience Kruger’s beautiful nature under her guidance. Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg among others are also widely recognized destinations, and there is significant potential to increase the number of Japanese visitors to South Africa. At the same time, we hope to see continued improvements in the security situation, which would further enhance tourism prospects.
5. Since taking up your post, what aspects of South Africa—its people, culture, or economic landscape—have stood out to you most?
The natural beauty and its diversity of South Africa is truly remarkable. At the same time, what has stood out most is the striking similarity between Japan and South Africa in the values and traditions that we have each cherished and preserved.
Last year, I had the opportunity to speak with a distinguished South African about the concept of Ubuntu. During our conversation, he mentioned that, traditionally, South Africa does not have a culture of formal toasting; instead, people pass around and share a drink.
Out of curiosity, I looked into Japan’s own traditions. I discovered that our custom of making a formal toast dates back only about 150 years, to the period when Japan began its modernization. Before that, we too had a tradition of sharing sake in a similar way. It was first offered to the gods and then shared among people.
Moreover, a deeper spirit honouring our ancestors, taking care of family and community, and respecting harmony with nature— these are values that both Japan and South Africa hold dear. Although we are geographically distant, we are surprisingly closer than we might imagine.
6. As your tenure progresses, what legacy or key outcomes would you like to be remembered for in advancing Japan–South Africa relations?
Last year, South Africa hosted the G20, while Japan hosted TICAD9. In this context, there were numerous high-level exchanges between our 2 countries: the Deputy President Mashatile visited Japan in March last year and President Ramaphosa visited Japan to participate TICAD9, while Prime Minister TAKAICHI visited South Africa to participate in the G20 Summit, first G20 ever on the African soil.
One of our major objectives last year was to link the success of TICAD9, with the participation of President Ramaphosa, to the success of the G20. I believe we achieved meaningful results, and through these efforts, we could further strengthen the political and economic ties between Japan and South Africa. This, I believe, will remain an important legacy of our engagement.
7. As both countries look to the future, what are your priorities for deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in strategic and emerging areas?
Japan and South Africa share fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Strengthening this trust will provide the basis for further developing our bilateral relationship well into the future.
With regard to our economic ties, cooperation in areas such as the Just Energy Transition where South Africa faces challenges, as well as collaboration in the development of critical mineral resources and the strengthening of supply chains, will become increasingly important in the years ahead.
South Africa, a leading country in Africa, and Japan, the fourth-largest economy in the world, both bear significant responsibilities within the international community. We would like to work closely together in addressing global challenges such as climate change, and to cooperate in improving global governance, including reform of the United Nations Security Council.
8. Finally, what message would you like to share with South African businesses, policymakers, and young people about engaging with Japan?
Although Japan and South Africa are geographically distant, our human characteristics and cultures are remarkably similar.
Over the past 116 years, our two countries have followed their own historical paths, yet we have steadily advanced our bilateral relationship. We have also supported one another in times of difficulty. We will never forget that South Africa dispatched a rescue team following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. Today, as South Africa faces natural disasters such as torrential rains, Japan is providing technical cooperation in areas including disaster risk reduction and water management.
Let us further strengthen the trust between Japan and South Africa that our predecessors have built. As the international environment is constantly changing, deepening relations with reliable partners is essential for both our countries.
