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Activities(1981~2025)
The Nihon Chukinto Africa Fujinkai (NCAF) was founded in 1981 by Japanese women seeking to
build friendship with the Middle East and African countries, and today it consists of more than 90
members. The main objective of this group is to promote friendship with women from African and the
Middle Eastern countries residing in Japan, and to understand each other’s cultures. Furthermore,
through activities such as charity bazaars, NCAF is continuing to raise funds for people in need of
assistance in these regions.
[1] Introducing the Middle East and African cultures
*NCAF has pioneered in introducing the Middle East and African cultures in Japan since the 1980’s.
We have organized seminars entitled “Getting to Know Africa I”(1987), “Wanting to Know Africa II”
(1990) at the National Women’s Education Center. Along with the wives of ambassadors and embassy
staffs, NCAF have invited Africa related researchers and musicians to hold lectures, exhibitions,
debates, concerts, etc. on various themes such as African history, music, cooking, fashion, lifestyle
and women’s roles in society. It has continued to deepen the understanding and relations amongst
the Middle East/African countries through events such as “Get to Know Arab Countries”, “Introducing
African Myths”, “Introducing African Culture – Marriage” etc.
*NCAF has organized seminars with the ambassadors and wives of the Middle East and African
countries to introduce their countries and their connections with Japan.
*NCAF has held concerts, fashion shows and cooking classes coming from the Middle East and African
countries.
*NCAF has published African and Arab cooking books: “African and Arab Cooking (1991)” and “New
African and Arab Cooking (2001)” with recipes provided by the ladies of African and Arab Embassies
in Japan and with Japanese translations. Over 10,000 copies have been printed so far, and sales
profits have been donated to UNICEF, UNHCR and others.
*NCAF has published books of traditional lullabies sung across Africa.
“African Lullaby”(1983) and “African LullabyII (2007). It also recorded lullabies sung by ladies of
African Embassies and transcribed them into musical scores and added Japanese translations.
[2] Interaction with ladies of the Middle East and Africa living in Japan
*Classes regularly held: ・Japanese Language ・Ikebana ・Chorus ・Knitting
* Small group activities: ・Handicraft Group ・Cooking Group ・National Costume Group
・Flower Arrangement Group
*WakuWaku: Outings and gatherings to extend friendships amongst ladies through understanding
each other’s history, culture, arts, lifestyle, education, environment and health,
* Introducing Japanese culture
Japanese ancient myths (old tales of “Kojiki”), Japanese marriages, Japanese cooking, Japanese tea
ceremony and Origami
Traditional events (New Year’s Mochi-tsuki, Hinamatsuri Festival, Hanami, Tanabata Festival),
wearing kimono experience etc.
*Visits and excursions
Social/economic facilities: The Diet Bldg. (House of Parliament), Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Office, factories, markets, social welfare facilities, hazard prevention centers
Cultural/sports facilities: sumo stables, museums, Kabuki, English Rakugo
Experiencing seasonal events: picking fruits, digging sweet potatoes, summer river cruise, dragnet
fishing
Scenic and historical sites: Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone, Mashiko, Nagatoro, Choshi, various
sightseeing spots in Tokyo etc.
Visiting Nobeyama Branch of the Women’s Association of Minami-Makimura Village, Nagano
Prefecture.
NCAF has visited Nobeyama ten times since 1986, to interact with the local ladies.
[3] Charity Activities
*Charity Bazaar
Since 1981, NCAF has held Charity Bazaars every other year, welcoming members of the Imperial
family and having approximately. 2,000 visitors at each event. In 2025, the 22nd Bazaar was held
with the participation of 25-African and Arab Embassies and SWAAJ selling crafts and national
dishes at their tables, along with sales of hand-made crafts made by NCAF members. Tables were
also provided for companie and individuals generating revenues for our charity cause.
[4]Participation and cooperation with other charity groups
*NCAF has participated in African Festa held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Global Festa held
by the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC) by performing African fashion
shows, booth for trying on costumes and photo-shoot.
*NCAF has participated in the African Fair organized by JETRO on the occasion of TICAD IV (2008).
Made bags, clothes and interior decoration accessories under the theme "Using African material and
making things which suit Japanese taste”. NCAF presented them to the African side as samples of
what would be attractive to the Japanese people.
*NCAF has participated in various events held by AWAAJ (The Association of Wives of African
Ambassadors in Japan) and SWAAJ (The Society of Wives of Arab Ambassadors in Japan), Yokohama
Town FestivalY154, etc.
*NCAF has donated clothes, blankets, vegetable seeds, stationery, etc. to African countries.
*Upon request from various organizations and municipal offices, NCAF has introduced culture/cooking
of African and Arab countries, rented out national costumes and helped out in elementary/junior high
schools and college extended classes, etc.
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