Connecting Japan and Africa through 'Dance' and 'Music'!

The non-profit organization NGO TOFA supports the 'April Dream' initiative, which aims to make April 1st a day for sharing dreams. This press release represents the dream of NGO TOFA. The general incorporated association TOFA (based in Japan) is launching a new international exchange project for the 2026 fiscal year that connects Japan and Africa (Tanzania) through 'dance' and 'music'. This project has been selected for the 2026 Japan World Expo Commemorative Fund and is attracting attention as a new form of international understanding and educational support through culture. Since 2017, TOFA has been providing educational support to Tanzania with volunteer members. Encounters with people and children who shine even without material wealth in the vast nature gave us the realization that the world is wider and full of possibilities. We want to deliver this experience to children and young people in Japan. In 2026, we will challenge ourselves to connect children in Japan and Africa through both real and online international exchange, using dance and music to find common ground beyond language and learn from differences. Project Overview: TOFA has been expanding children's future possibilities through textbook support, educational environment improvement, and cultural exchange in Tanzania. In 2026, we will further develop these efforts to create opportunities for people in Japan and Africa to connect through the 'common language' of music and dance. Specific Initiatives: We plan to conduct cultural exchanges in both countries: In Japan, experience dance to Tanzanian music to deepen understanding of African culture. In Tanzania, wear Yukata or Jinbei and experience the traditional Japanese Bon Odori to foster familiarity with Japanese culture. By experiencing each other's culture through music and dance, we will broaden the perspectives of children and participants and promote mutual understanding. We are looking for co-creation partners who want to realize this initiative or get involved in international exchange and educational support, including event collaboration, sponsorship, volunteering, and joint planning of cultural programs.