As this year marks the 60th anniversary of the friendship between Japan and Rwanda, a total of five winners were awarded and recognized by Japan for their role in deepening the relationship between the two countries.

The ceremony took place on July 27, at the Envoy of Japan in Rwanda’s residence.

While addressing the audience, Ambassador Masahiro Imai said that over the past 60 years there has been a wide range of opportunities that are mutually beneficial for both countries.

In addition, he pointed out that the countries’ friendship consists of many activities and cooperation.

However, some aren't always noticeable but very fundamental for friendship, such as Education, Support for Persons with Disabilities, Business, Arts, Sports, and Cuisine among others.

"Those activities are closely related to our daily lives, and these are exactly the fields where today's award winners have actively contributed,” he said

Furthermore, he said that those activities have not only contributed to building the foundation of friendship, but also encouraged Japan’s younger generation, who are sometimes said to be more introverted compared to the former generations, to start an adventure.

"Some young Japanese have come to Rwanda to try new businesses, to work as an intern or a volunteer to acquire experience which would help them to consider their future businesses here,” he explained

He said others have been awarded in previous years for their role in strengthening the two countries' relationship.

Speaking on the same occasion, Phillip Karenzi, the Director General of Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, congratulated all the winners for their contribution to the bilateral relationship between both countries.

He pointed out that the occasion is very significant for Rwanda as it was also remarked in the month both countries started diplomatic relations between two countries.

Karenzi further commended Japan for its contribution to countries’ development, especially after the Genocide against Tutsi in 1994.

"We have seen extraordinary social, economic and technological financial, and cultural progress that has benefited both the people of both countries through the bilateral cooperation that we are engaged in,” he said

 He noted that the tangible results and concrete progress made so far assure hope for a bright future regarding the relationship between the two countries.

"Together with the Japanese partners, we are ready to explore all opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation within our strategic partnership in sectors such as ICT that we are already involved in, education, capacity building, agriculture, mining, health, trade, tourism among others,” he said.

He also appreciated the cooperation between the countries through JICA that is supporting various projects.

Karenzi concluded by thanking the ambassador of Japan in Rwanda for his contribution to ensuring tangible initiatives in various sectors.

Winners speak out

Both presenters and those who were awarded in past years commended the japan government for the recognition and pledged to keep on strengthening the relationship between the two countries through various sectors they fall into.

Prof. Yukiko ITO, Professor at Gakushuin Women’s College who received her award this year for her tireless work on the ground to support people in need over a few decades.

In addition, she said that she will keep working harder together with others to strengthen the relationship between the countries for a brighter future for both people of countries.

Guy Didier Rurangayire the chairman of Japan Karate Association - Rwanda, thanked the Japan government for recognition and considered the award as a motivation to him.

In addition, he revealed that he got the chance to study for two years more about Karate which is a way of living not just a sport in Japan.

Yoshiyuki SATO, CEO of Organic Solutions,   talked about his journey and how he used the project in helping the society in agriculture sector as well as in improving Hygiene.

 Charles Mafigi Sinamenye the Legal Representative of Umuco Mwiza School said that the Japan government and people have been supporting the school since 2000.

He said the recognition is an additional motivation which will help them to achieve their goals.

Daniel Niyogushimwa, CEO of Japanda (Japanese cuisine Ambassador), expressed his gratitude towards the Japan government for all given support.

He pledged to keep on playing role in strengthening the relationship between countries through cuisine industry.

On the other hand, among the former winners, Anicet Rwama, the President. JAAR (JICA Alumni Association of Rwanda), said that the association’s target is to use the knowledge they gained from Japan to contribute towards Rwandans development through various activities.

The former winner Emmanuel Gatera Rudasingwa, Co-founder of Mulindi One Love Project which was awarded in 2017, also commended the government of Japan for supporting his project which  has been able to support over 5,900 people with disabilities.