The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, has emphasised that cultural exchange remains one of the most effective tools for deepening relations between Ghana and Japan, stressing that personal connections between citizens endure longer than political or economic ties.
He said, “People-to-people engagement is the most sustainable way to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between the two nations.”
Yoshimoto made the remarks at the 22nd Ghana Yosakoi Japanese Festival in Accra, an event jointly organised by the Embassy of Japan and the Japanese community in Ghana.
The festival celebrated the beauty of cross-cultural interaction through dance, martial arts, food and games, with performances by Ghanaian schools, federations and artists showcasing Japanese traditions while promoting friendship between the two nations.
The Ambassador noted that Ghana and Japan share many cultural similarities, particularly in 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.
He explained that the Yosakoi Festival provides a special opportunity for young people to experience Japanese culture in an engaging way.
“The Yosakoi is a very good opportunity for people in Ghana to experience Japanese traditional events, including food, martial arts and gaming.
“It allows young Ghanaians to enjoy themselves and feel the essence of Japanese culture,” he added.
Touching on the wider significance of cultural diplomacy, Yoshimoto said such exchanges build lasting connections that transcend politics and economics.
He explained that “when people from both countries interact, they develop mutual respect and curiosity that inspire cooperation in other sectors such as education, technology and tourism.”
The Ambassador also highlighted the growing role of youth and evolving culture in strengthening these bonds.
While traditional forms like Yosakoi dance and martial arts remain vital, he said modern Japanese culture especially gaming and anime has become a major attraction for young audiences.
“Culture evolves over time,” he observed.
“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 concluded that investing in youth-centred cultural initiatives would sustain these partnerships in the long term.
“We’d like to promote more cultural exchanges by making the most of the attractions of anime and gaming,” he said.
Through festivals like Yosakoi, Japan continues to demonstrate that cultural understanding not politics is the true foundation of enduring international friendship.
