Today, 27th October 2025, the Embassy had the honor of welcoming Mr. IWAMA Hajime, Director General of the Africa Department - JICA Headquarters, accompanied by Mr. NAKAO Genki, JICA Program Officer. The visit carried special and symbolic value, as Mr. Hajime previously served with JICA Tanzania from 2010 to 2014, a period that deepened his connection with the country and its people.

Mr. Hajime expressed his joy in rekindling ties with Tanzania and commended the long-standing friendship between Tanzania and Japan. He also extended warm congratulations to Tanzania for securing a gold medal at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, fondly recalling the enduring sports cooperation between Nagai City and Tanzania through initiatives such as the Nagai Marathon. The Embassy reiterated its gratitude for Japan’s role in nurturing young Tanzania athletes through the partnership established with the Nagai Marathon.

During the courtesy call, the two sides discussed key areas of cooperation, including:
• Sister-city relations between Nagai City and Dodoma
• JICA-supported training programs and student exchanges, including initiatives under VETA
• Strengthening people-to-people diplomacy through sports, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges

The Embassy reaffirmed that the Tanzania–Japan partnership remains strong, friendly, and future-oriented. While Japan is currently undertaking internal program reviews, both parties agreed that city - and institution - level cooperation should continue to flourish, driven by mutual respect and strong friendship.

Mr. Genki also shared updates on ongoing coordination with Nagai City and expressed his intention to visit Tanzania in the near future, an idea warmly welcomed by the Embassy.