Vuka Afrika, in collaboration with Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre and KUGANI Corporation, recently presented a captivating stage performance titled Happy Balloons to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Zambia. The Ryukyu Performing Arts in Africa took place at Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre in Harare.

KUGANI Corporation, a dance ensemble comprised of performers selected from the renowned Okinawa Ryukyuan dance troupe “Gyokusenkai,” showcased their talent during the event.

Megumi Tomita, the director of the performance “Happy Balloons,” shared insights about the tour around Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“We had a tour from Okinawa, Japan to Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was a celebration of the relationship between Japan and Zambia. Our performance was welcomed by the audience, you could see with the way they would participate during the performance.’’ said Megumi

She shared her excitement about the tour.

“This was our first performance here in Africa, and we hope to come again next time and when we come, we hope to bring more activities that will include, stage performances, human resource development, and school education programs.” shared Megumi

James ‘Jingo’ Mukwindidza the producer and director of Vuka Afrika Performing Arts Trust and coordinator of the Zimbabwean – Japanese Cultural Exchange Program noted on the importance of the exchange program.

“The exchange program was insightful, we learnt a lot from their cuisine, their rituals, their dances and the type of theatre which is different from our side of theatre in Zimbabwe.”

 ‘’The beauty of this thing is that in the cultural exchange program is trying to dispel the myth or misconception which says theatre does not bring financial figures or that theatre does not benefit the nation financially, but we have just witnessed that theatre has managed to bring in tourists from as far as Japan.” noted Mukwindidza

Japanese – Zimbabwe Ambassador Yamanaka Shinichi said that as the Embassy there are there to support activities of this nature.

 “As the embassy we will support exchange cultural programs so that we more Zimbabweans and Japanese people can learn more about the Japanese – Zimbabwe traditional cultures, performing arts and crafts. This cultural cooperation is good and should be passed down for generations to the present day.” he said