14 Sep 2016

Ambassador of Japan, Masahiro Onishi, says relations between Botswana and Japan should not only be based on political and economic partnerships.

Onishi said cultural exchange could also be used to assist in deepening mutual understanding.

He was speaking at the annual exhibition of students’ paintings from Japan’s Chigasaki elementary school students.

“I have confidence that this programme will continuously strengthen our mutual understanding and will greatly contribute to the relationship between Botswana and Japan,” said Onishi in Gaborone recently.

The Japanese ambassador also expressed hope that the exhibition would not only attract curiosity from the students but also give Batswana a better understanding about children’s school life in Japan.

Furthermore, he said the Japanese students were willing to extend their hands to Batswana students.’

To further grow the yearly exhibition, Onishi said they would look at including visual pictures in future.

The school head, Nkopo Kgwatalala said “the exhibition keeps on growing each year as the Japanese students keep on improving and showing a clear picture of their culture.” 

Batswana students, she added, also enjoy viewing the paintings.

“We also got a feedback letter from the Chigasaki Primary School head teacher complementing our works. They are really pleased with the paintings from our students,” said Kgwatalala.

She said this reminded her of the pen pal days when they used to send messages and pictures to people they had never met, saying it was one form of cultural exchange between Japanese students and Batswana students.

For her part, Ikumi Hayashida, director of international exchange, Tsuzuki Multicultural & Youth Plaza, said with the combined power between Ben Thema and Chigasaki Elementary School, bridges between the two countries could be built.

In her closing remarks, Fanny Thamage said the relationship between the two schools and the Japan Embassy work wonders to their students.

“The paintings boosts our students confidence and builds their esteem, even the slow learners when they realise that some of their works have been sent to Japan, their academic work improves,” she said. ENDS