The 21st Ghana-Japan Yosakoi Festival was held in Accra, showcasing the strong bond between the two nations. This year’s festival featured a diverse array of cultural performances, including traditional Japanese martial arts like jiu-jitsu, judo, and karate.
The event, one of the key highlights of Ghana-Japan relations this year, drew a large crowd, including Ghanaians, Japanese nationals, members of the international community, and students from various secondary institutions in Ghana. A major attraction was the Yosakoi dance competition, a blend of Japanese and Ghanaian traditional dances. Schools such as St. Dominic’s Senior High Technical, St. Rose’s Senior High School, Kadjebi Asato Junior High School, Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, St. Mary’s Senior High School, Achimota School, Labone Senior High School, Bueman SHS, St. Theresa’s School, and St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School competed for top honors. St. Peter’s SHS emerged as the winner of the Yosakoi dance competition.
The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Kaoru Yashimura, who played an active role in the event, highlighted the strong and commendable friendship between Ghana and Japan. He encouraged attendees to experience the vibrant blend of Japanese and Ghanaian cultures and noted that this festival marked a fitting end to his tenure, which concludes next month. “The Yosakoi Japan Festival enables us to appreciate each other’s cultural richness. It showcases many aspects of Japanese culture, providing a beautiful spectacle for all to enjoy,” he stated.
Mr. Makita Yuichi, Chairman of the Japanese Community, expressed his deep gratitude to the organizing committees, a collaboration between the Japanese Association and the Embassy of Japan. “We are grateful for the celebration of this festival for over 20 years in Ghana, which has deepened the relationship between our two countries,” he said.
By Madjid Diallo || ghananewsonline.com.gh