TICAD
TICAD9 Welcome Reception Co-hosted by Prime Minister ISHIBA and Mayor of the City of Yokohama YAMANAKA
- On August 20, commencing at around 7:30p.m. for approximately 90 minutes, a welcome reception co-hosted by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and Dr. YAMANAKA Takeharu, Mayor of the City of Yokohama, was held at Pacifico Yokohama North for heads of state and representatives of international organizations visiting Japan for TICAD9.
- In his opening remarks, Prime Minister ISHIBA noted that this was the fourth time TICAD had been held in Yokohama and mentioned that Yokohama was one of the first ports opened in Japan, connecting it with the world. He expressed his anticipation for discussions on trade, investment, and collaborative problem-solving with Africa in Yokohama, a city actively promoting various exchanges and collaborations. In the context of women and young people’s active role, he also introduced Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a singer from South Africa, and Patoranking, a Nigerian musician. Mayor YAMANAKA then stated that the city would continue to work hand-in-hand with African nations and the international community toward the realization of a new green society and a sustainable future, and made a toast.
- The reception featured appearances by MYAKU-MYAKU, the official mascot of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, and Tunku Tunku, the official mascot of the GREEN×EXPO 2027, which will be held in Yokohama, along with a performance of African music.
- The reception menu included dishes using products from Yokohama City and Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as dishes made with ingredients from Ishikawa, Iwate, Fukushima, and Miyagi prefectures to support reconstruction efforts. Vegetarian and halal dishes were also provided to accommodate the diverse religious and dietary preferences of the guests.
(Reference1)Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka
South African singer and activist born in 1965. She has numerous hit songs. Former South African President Nelson Mandela named her “Princess of Africa” because her songs were a source of emotional support while he was imprisoned for his anti-apartheid activism. She has been actively involved in efforts to resolve issues of poverty and infectious diseases, including the establishment of the Princess of Africa Foundation.
(Reference2)Patoranking
A Nigerian musician born in 1990. Drawing on his own experiences growing up in poverty, he supports young people in similarly disadvantaged circumstances by providing educational opportunities through scholarships offered by his Patranking Foundation. In recognition of these achievements, he was appointed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Africa as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador in 2024. His videos have been viewed more than 1 billion times worldwide, and he has over 1.64 million followers on YouTube alone, making him one of the most influential figures in Africa.