Embassy of Japan and Japan Foundation Celebrate Day” at AFRIFF 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.
By Raymond Enoch
The magic of Japanese cinema met the vibrance of African storytelling as the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria and the Japan Foundation brought “Japan Day” to life at the 14th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), held at the elegant Twin Waters Entertainment Centre in Lagos on November 6th and 7th. 2025.
For two days, Lagos’ creative heart pulsed to the rhythm of Tokyo’s cinematic artistry. Guests were treated to screenings of six internationally acclaimed films — The Imaginary, Anime Supremacy!, Akira, Godzilla Minus One, Sand Land, and Poupelle of Chimney Town — each capturing the soul, imagination, and discipline that define Japan’s storytelling tradition.
Opening the event, Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, SUZUKI Hideo, spoke with warmth and insight about the unifying power of cinema. “Film connects people and cultures,” he said. “It serves as a source of inspiration — a beacon that leads us forward.” He expressed his hope that “Japan Day” would deepen the bonds of friendship between Japan and Nigeria, using art as the bridge.
The celebration also featured goodwill messages from Mr. Masakazu Takahashi of the Japan Foundation and Mr. Jean Fall representing AFRIFF, both commending the initiative as a shining example of how art can dissolve borders and nurture understanding between nations.
Beyond the screens, guests enjoyed lively cultural conversations, creative networking sessions, and a warm cocktail reception that blended Nigerian hospitality with Japanese elegance. The atmosphere was electric — a meeting point of two nations connected by their passion for storytelling and innovation.
In the end, “Japan Day” wasn’t just about film — it was about friendship. It reaffirmed the growing cultural ties between Japan and Nigeria, and celebrated a shared belief that cinema, in all its forms, has the power to unite hearts across continents.
The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation expressed profound gratitude to AFRIFF and all participants for making “Japan Day” 2025 an unforgettable cultural bridge between Asia and Africa.
