DRC-Japan cultural reconciliation: Festival scheduled at the Japanese Center in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, May 7^th, 2026 (CPA).– The first edition of the “Kizuna Festival” (bond), dedicated to the values of unity and sharing between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Japan, is scheduled for May 24^th at the Japanese Center in Kinshasa as part of cultural rapprochement between the two countries, the organizer told CPA on Thursday. “The project is carried by the Japanese Center of Kinshasa with a clear vision: to create a sustainable cultural bridge between Japan and the DRC while bringing together enthusiasts around values of unity and sharing,” declared Agee Wasolua, organizer of the festival. Mr. Wasolua explained that the event is organized in collaboration with various local stakeholders, notably “members of the community, enthusiasts of Japanese culture, as well as Congolese cultural partners and media actors supporting this initiative.” “The main objective is to strengthen cultural exchanges, inspire the youth and create lasting human connections between the two cultures. It is an event that speaks about our local reality while offering a particular outlook on Japanese culture because culture has no borders,” he explained. According to him, the term “Kizuna”, a Japanese word meaning “bond, connection or friendship”, represents the idea of strong and sincere human relationships. “Thus, it is not only a festival but rather a moment of encounter, discovery and sharing, where anyone who comes with curiosity will leave with memories and connections,” Agee Wasolua said, specifying that the activity will be marked by an inclusive approach blending Japanese and Congolese influences through a well-detailed program. Created in 2013, the Japanese Center of Kinshasa (CJK) is a cultural and educational space facilitating virtual or direct exchanges with schools in Japan, Africa and other continents.