This event will be held under the following theme: 

There is a rich variety of beautiful textiles across Africa, such as Ghana's Kente cloth, Mali's mud-dyed Bogolanfini, and Nigeria's indigo-dyed Adire. These African fabrics are not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful—each vivid color and intricate pattern reflects the culture, history, and messages of the region it originates from. Accordingly, they have long been cherished as “talking textiles” by the people.
In this event, we will explore the allure and cultural significance of these fabrics through sight and dialogue—a fashion show and a talk session.

This event aligns with the international visions of TICAD9—“Co-creation of Innovative Solutions with Africa” and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” In resonance with these visions, the event aims to foster new relationships between Japan and Africa by serving as a platform for dialogue that connects culture, industry, and sustainability. Historically, since the 1960s, Japan's textile industry has engaged with African markets, collaboratively producing fabrics. Today, young people from Japan and Africa are coming together through textiles, sharing perspectives, and exploring possibilities for cultural exchange and sustainable collaboration. Join us in exploring new forms of co-creation between the next generations of Japan and Africa!

May 25 is Africa Day. This event will be held as part of the program "Celebrate Africa 2025: Africa Day @ Expo Osaka, Japan," which commemorates this day and takes place on the same date and at the same venue.

Experience, touch, and engage in dialogue. Join us in the creative circle woven through textiles.

Let's listen to the stories that textiles tell and weave the future together.

＜Program Schedule＞ 

13:40–13:45 Announcements

13:45–13:50 Opening Remarks

13:50–13:57 Fashion Show: "Fabric in Motion" (Kimono × African Textiles)

13:57–14:27 Talk Session: "Textiles as First Step into Africa"

14:27–14:34 Fashion Show: "Fabric with NexGen" (Harajuku Culture × African Textiles)

14:34–15:04 Talk Session: "Fashion as a Force for Social Change"

15:04–15:10 Closing Remarks

＜Fashion Show Participating Brands＞

ODASHO – WAFRICA

WAFRICA is a kimono collection born from the collaboration between ODASHO, a long-established kimono manufacturer in Kyoto with over 100 years of history, and Serge Mouangue, a Cameroonian-born French designer. This collection draws inspiration from the cultural similarities and affinities between Japan and West Africa, such as animistic views of nature and rich non-verbal communication. By fusing Japanese sophistication with the vibrant energy of West Africa, WAFRICA creates a new "third aesthetic."

Melanger Etranger

Melanger Etranger, meaning "to mix foreign elements" in French, is a one-of-a-kind fashion brand that combines traditional fabrics from developing countries with Harajuku culture to create a unique KAWAII aesthetic. The designer previously served as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer in Benin, West Africa, where she was captivated by the vibrant "African fabrics" worn by the locals. She now showcases new expressions and charms of African textiles through creations such as Lolita fashion, wedding attire, and suits.  

＜Speakers＞

• Naoki Ando, Senior Vice President, JICA
• Mika Shimojo, ODASHO
• Aya Ueda, Part-time lecturer, Kwansei Gakuin University
• Yuka Kobayashi, the founder of Melanger Etranger
• Anieheobi Frances Chinwe, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning of Nigeria

＜Talk Session Moderators＞

• Shuhei UENO (Deputy Director General, Africa Department, JICA)
• Chika Kondoh (TICAD Partnership Specialist, UNDP Tokyo Office)

Date & Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 13:40 to 15:10 (JST)

Format: Hybrid (in-person and online participation)

In-Person Venue: Festival Station, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Online Platform: Zoom

Languages: English, French, and Japanese (simultaneous interpretation available for online participants)

Co-Organizers: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Admission: Free
Please note: An admission ticket to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is required for on-site participation (sold separately).

Registration:

• For in-person attendance, no prior registration is necessary; you may arrive directly at the venue on the day of the event.
• For online participation, please register using the link: https://undp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RVzcvKILTW64BpkTZNqhpQ

AFRI CONVERSE:

Since June 2018, UNDP and JICA have been co-hosting "AFRI CONVERSE," a series of dialogue-based events focusing on TICAD and Africa’s development. This event aims to follow up on development issues raised in past TICAD meetings and to foster discussions in the lead-up to TICAD 9, scheduled to be held in August 2025. It is expected to attract broad participation from both within Japan and abroad.

Contacts: 

Chika Kondoh, TICAD Partnership Specialist, UNDP Tokyo Office chika.kondoh@undp.org

Ryohei Tanaka, Planning and TICAD Process Division, Africa Department, JICA Tanaka.Ryohei@jica.go.jp