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TICAD IV Official Supporters Pay a Courtesy Call on Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs

May 1, 2008

  1. On May 1 (Thu), TICAD official supporters, Mr. Adogony Lolo, Ms. Ikuko Kawai, Mr. Tsuyoshi Kitazawa, Mr. Don Konishi and Ms. Akiko Chubachi (in the order of the Japanese syllabary), paid a courtesy call on Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
  2. When a commemorative photograph was taken at the outset, it was pointed out that the initials of the five supporters could be arranged to read, "T-I-C-A-D."
  3. Mr. Koumura said, "As I want to raise public interest in TICAD and Africa toward TICAD IV to be held in Yokohama in May this year, I would like the five of you official supporters who coincidentally have the initials of TICAD to play active roles for TICAD IV."
  4. In response, each supporter answered as follows:
    • (1) Mr. Tsuyoshi Kitagawa (soccer commentator)
      When I was teaching soccer in Cameroon and South Africa, I was moved by the earnestness and politeness with which African children tried to learn soccer. I want to keep contributing to cooperation between Japan and Africa by means of soccer.
    • (2) Ms. Ikuko Kawai (violinist)
      I once played the violin in a refugee camp in Asia, and I still vividly remember the brightness of children who listened to my violin. I want to play the violin in Africa also. If I had a chance, I would like to play the violin during TICAD IV.
    • (3) Mr. Don Konishi (fashion designer)
      Africa's sense of color is just wonderful. It is simple but it makes a strong impression. As a Japanese designer, I can learn much from Africa.
    • (4) Ms. Akiko Chubachi (entertainer)
      As a backpacker, I visited many African countries and was helped by many kind-hearted Africans. West Africa, in particular, had something that made me sense my origins.
    • (5) Mr. Adogony Lolo (entertainer, Beninese)
      Japan has splendid culture and virtues. We Africans can learn much from Japan. I will make efforts to make Japan and Africa have much closer and warmer relations.
  5. Mr. Tsuyoshi Kitazawa will visit South Africa from May 15 (Thu) to publicize TICAD IV overseas, open football workshops I n local elementary schools and orphanages, and donate about 700 soccer balls to South Africa.
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