about　NCAF

About NCAF

Nihon Chukinto Africa Fujinkai (NCAF) was founded in 1981 by a group of women with experience living in Africa, led by Ayako Shigemitsu (1928–2017), wife of Akira Shigemitsu, former Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, who also served as Ambassador to Romania and the Soviet Union.

The association began with a simple wish: to help African diplomats and their families leave Japan with fond memories of their stay.

Over time, the scope of the association expanded to include the Middle East. Today, NCAF's activities cover approximately fifty countries in the Middle East and Africa that maintain embassies in Tokyo.

NCAF's activities are primarily directed toward the spouses of ambassadors and diplomats from Middle East and African countries stationed in Tokyo. Through cultural programmes introducing Japanese traditions, excursions to places of scenic and cultural interest in and around Tokyo, and various social gatherings, we strive to promote friendship, mutual understanding, and goodwill.

Every other year, NCAF organises a charity bazaar. The proceeds are donated to participating countries and distributed, through ambassadors' spouses, to welfare institutions and charitable organisations in their respective countries. In addition, NCAF provides annual support to Japanese NGOs working in the Middle East and Africa, helping to sustain their humanitarian and development activities.

The charity bazaar is one of NCAF's signature events and is regularly honoured by the attendance of members of the Imperial Family. Drawing more than 2,000 visitors, the bazaar offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere featuring traditional cuisine prepared by participating embassies, handicrafts, and handmade items created by NCAF members.

The countries of the Middle East and Africa are often perceived in Japan as geographically and culturally distant. To foster greater understanding, NCAF organises bazaars, lectures, cooking classes, and other cultural programmes that introduce the rich histories, cultures, and daily lives of people throughout these regions to the Japanese public.

Among these activities, cooking classes have proven especially popular. Spouses of diplomats from Middle East and African embassies are invited to demonstrate traditional dishes from their home countries, providing participants with a unique opportunity to experience different cultures through food. These events serve as valuable occasions for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, large-scale events have become more difficult to organise. In response, NCAF has developed new forms of engagement, including small-group neighbourhood walks and online cultural programmes.

NCAF has also published two cookbooks, African & Arab Cooking and New African & Arab Cooking. These publications represent another important way in which we introduce the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, Africa, and the Arab world to Japanese audiences.

Looking ahead, we believe that promoting cultural exchange and deepening intercultural understanding will remain central to our mission. Through our activities, we hope to continue serving as a bridge between Japan and the countries of the Middle East and Africa.

In addition, NCAF offers a variety of small-group activities, including Japanese language study, ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), knitting, and choral singing. These activities provide opportunities for members to share interests, deepen friendships, and strengthen connections among women from Japan, the Middle East, and Africa.