2023 vol.1[ あふりまぐ ]宮城アフリカ協会

Special パン・アフリカン・ヘリテージ博物館
Feat.

Pan African Heritage Museum

AfriMag
Vol. 1

Contents

Congratulatory Message - Miyagi Prefecture

Congratulations on the launch of AfriMag, which will serve as a bridge
between Africa and Miyagi. Africa is a rich continent blessed with

04 Pan African Heritage Museum
パン・アフリカン・ヘリテージ博物館

06
08
10
12
14
16
18

New Africa Narrative
新しいアフリカの話

Facts About Africa

アフリカ豆知識

African Fashion

アフリカのファッション

African Food Culture

アフリカの食文化

Dance With Africa

ダンス・ウィズ・アフリカ

Young African Professional Vision For Africa

アフリカの若い職業人によるアフリカ・ビジョン

Supporting Economic Growth And Developement
Of Sustainable Fishing Industry In Namibia

ナミビアの経済成長と持続可能な水産業の発展を支援

magnificent nature and a region where diverse cultures, including food

Mr. CHIBA Takamasa

DG, Dept. of Econ., Comm.,
Ind. & Tourism
Sendai, Miyagi Prefectureand fashion, flourish. In addition, Africa has been developing remarkably
in recent years and has potential for economic exchange, such as

investment and business partnerships. There are many people fromAfrican countries living in the prefecture, forming part of a diverse society.
The prefecture is promoting efforts to create a multicultural society inwhich people of different nationalities and ethnicities can work vigorously and actively, while recognizing eachother’s differences in cultural backgrounds. We are confident that this magazine, which introduces various
aspects of Africa that are not yet well known in Japan, such as African lifestyles, food, music, and fashion,
will serve as an entry point for people in Miyagi and the Tohoku region to become more familiar with Africa

and contribute to the formation of the multicultural society that the prefecture is aiming for. We hope that
this magazine will serve as a catalyst for further exchange between people of African origin and the peopleof Miyagi Prefecture, as well as strengthen the ties between Miyagi Prefecture and Africa, including economic
partnerships, so that we can work hand in hand to create a bright future together.

Greetings

Hello everyone, thank you for picking up, AfriMag, a magazine about

Africa. My name is Isaac Asiedu, the president of the African Associationof Miyagi (AFAM), a friendship organization for Africans living in Miyagi
Prefecture and the Tohoku region, with about 83 members who areuniversity students and graduates from Tohoku University and otherparts of Tohoku.

When you think of Africa, what comes to mind? Kilimanjaro, wild

Dr. Isaac Yaw Asiedu
AFAM - President

animals such as lions and zebras, or the pyramids of Egypt? Accra, the capital of Ghana, where I was born, isabout 14,000 km away from Japan. What kind of place do you imagine? It is a big city with a large port anda population of over 2 million people, just like the city of Sendai. Unfortunately, there are no lions walking

around (laughs). In fact, African countries have made great progress in the 21st century. There are still areasthat are in the process of development, but they are undergoing great changes using cutting-edge scienceand technology. Of course, the rich natural environment is still alive and well. Fashion, cuisine, and musicwith a great sense of rhythm are a little different from those in Japan. We would like to introduce many such
attractions of Africa from the African perspective.

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AFRICAN MAGAZINEAFRIMAG3

Pan African Heritage Museum

were forced to leave the continent and into slavery.

artists of African descent. Soothing saxophone sounds,

key goal - to curate and tell the story of Africa using

The idea of targeting our collective African identity and

The museum, which is under construction, has one

African voices, tools and culture. The great minds
behind the project say this is necessary because fora long time the African story has been told by others.
They argue that when someone else tells your story,

they tell it from their perspective so that they look good.
The museum therefore seeks to own the African

Special FeaturePnarrative by bridging what the founders say is a gap

populations of Bantu-speakers left their original

people of African descent and all others to unlearn

and relearn the true history, culture and civilizationof Africa from the origin of mankind to present.

editor of Ghana’s Daily Graphic newspaper and who
previously served as an MP and cabinet minister in thegovernment of the late President Jerry Rawlings.

says the museum will “provide a natural residence andin 2023 (so that Africans, rather than foreigners,

Heritage Museum will create an environment for the

1994. The man behind it is Kojo Acquah Yankah, a former

heal, and inspire. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo

most significant mass movement of peoples within

history and heritage of Africans. The Pan African

culture in a unique Pan-African museum came about infor over 400 years. It’s a museum that seeks to teach,reparations are underway to build a huge museum

control their history and heritage) to reflect thehistory by harnessing, celebrating and curating Africanthat has widened among people of African descent

Pan African Heritage Museum

in Ghana to be completed and commissioned

accompanied by gentle piano notes, put you at ease.

Africa started more than 4,000 years ago, when huge
dwellings in southern West Africa, to settle in otherparts of the continent.

The new migrants will be travelling in the opposite
direction. Like their predecessors, they will not requirevisas or travel documents. Their relocation is not
physical but cultural and spiritual. It is their history,

their philosophy, their beliefs, and their story that isabout to find a new home.

The new dwelling is located at Pomadze Hills in

Winneba. The 10-acre site in Ghana’s Central Region

resting place for all the looted cultural artefacts of ourcontinent, which are housed in foreign museums andwhich will be returned to us”.

This is the latest museum to be built on the continent,
following those in Senegal, Democratic Republic ofCongo and Nigeria, and comes at a time when there’sHon. Kojo Yankah
PAHM Foundera growing acceptance in Europe that the items seizedfrom Africa during the colonial era should be returned.
Judging by the digital version that was recently
launched, the museum will be a stunning structure thatwill stand tall and be visible from far away - a monumentof Pan-Africanism. As you enter, your eyes are treated tobeautiful contemporary works of art produced by great

is about 60km (40 miles) west of the capital Accra.
It’s a site to behold, with rolling terrain, covered ingreenery.

If all goes according to plan, by August this year
The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, the Himba of

Namibia, the Somali of the Horn of Africa, the Zulu ofsouthern Africa and the Mbenga of the West Congo

Basin - among many other communities - could
soon be on the move to a new home in Ghana. The

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AFRICAN MAGAZINE

this location will give rise to an impressive sixstorey structure - the Pan African Heritage Museum.
The

locationisWinneba,through

which

the

“migrants” will enter their new home in Ghana, isjust over an hour’s drive to the Door of No Return atCape Coast Castle, from which millions of Africans
AFRIMAG5

ANGOLA - AFRICA

NEW Africa NarrativeA

frica abounds with stories of young men andreputation looking inferior through single narrative.

or circumstances that held up no hope for them, andwith the majority representation of new Africa being

women who have come out of abject penury

have arrived at places of excellence, driven by an

undying dream to become someday the change thatis needed on a continent whose underdevelopment

defies reason. Everywhere in Africa the sharp divide
between urban and rural enclaves and then theslums that shadow metropolises equally determine
the quality of life that typifies the social fabric.
Unplanned spaces and the near absence of civic

education gives rise to a lot of indiscipline withthe resultant decadence and urban congestion.
The

story

is

not

any

different

in

the

rural

communities where many still live close to nature.

And yet Africa is the envy of all the other continental

asses, possessing a legacy and heritage of colossal
mineral wealth, a stable equatorial environment andan endless sweeping variety of fauna and of foliage.
A unique geo-cultural spread of linguistic diversity
andoflifestyles

interregional

trade

and

livelihood,routesand

The two images shown here both can represent Africa,

the first image, but the western media tells the single
story of the image below. Just the power of western
media and how it misleads its own people.

M

orocco is a gateway to Africa and a country of

dizzying diversity. With an outstanding balance

HASSAN II MOSQUE INTERIOR CORRIDOR CASABLANCA

between dynamic landscapes, colorful architecture andvibrant cities Morocco has much to offer and it is nowonder that every year more than 10 million of tourists

around the globe choose it as their top destination.
With breathtaking beaches, bustling souks, vast expansesof desert, imposing snow- capped mountains, wondrous
medinas, and mouth-watering cuisine there’s a world of
wonder to discover in Morocco. Not many destinationsin the world can offer you this many variety, intrigue, and cultural experiences. Whatever kind of traveler you are,

Morocco has something for you from a wild adventure trip to a ampered beach getaway amidst its winding streets
and friendly atmosphere. Morocco has a hundred faces and sounds, all ready to welcome the traveler looking for
spice and adventure.

PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CORNICHE OF M’DIQ, MOROCCO

traditional

contemporary

markets and mercantile synergy, and a budding ICT

conclave present a kaleidoscope of potential growth.
We already know that the image about Africa is asingle story propaganda by the west to keep Africa’s

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AFRICAN MAGAZINEAFRIMAG7

1. Africa is the second-largest continent in theworld both in size and population.

As of 2022 the total population is about

1,340,598,147 that is eqivalent to 16.72% of
the total world population.

2. Africa is home to over 1 billion people who
speak over 1,500 different languages.

3. World civilization began in Africa.

One in every four of the world’s language are

AFRICA places of interest

Africa may not always register on the average traveler’s radar, but those who visit have thechance to experience the perfect blend of ancient and modern, wild and urban, and East andWest. Here are just a few places of many in Africa that would marvell you.

One of the most beloved destinations on thecontinent, Cape Town sits at the southern tip of

CAPE TOWNSouth Africa, near where the Atlantic Ocean andIndian Ocean meet at the Cape of Good Hope.

It is a culturally rich and visually stunning citythat is very easy to fall in love with on a first visit.

spoken only in Africa

Table Mountain rises from the center of the city,while the striking Twelve Apostle rock formations

The Pharaonic civilization of ancient Egyptis the oldest literate civilization. According tobeyond provide the backdrop for gorgeous
whitesand beaches.

historical records, the Egyptian state dates
back about 3300 B.C.

4. Africa is the most centrally located continent
in the world. Both the prime meridian (0degrees longitude) and equator (0 degrees

5. Both the world’s tallest and largest land

VICTORIA FALLS

MOUNT KILMANJAROLAKE ASSAL

animals both come from Africa.

latitude) cut across it.

The worlds’s largest curtain of water,

The

Africa.

Lake Assal is 150m below sea

into the canyon below. This is a

is the world’s largest free mountain andsurrounded by dormant volcanoes

stretching 1.7km. Plunging 107m
dramatic spectacle to witness.

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AFRICAN MAGAZINE

highestmountaininAccording to the National Geographic, itstands about 5,895m above sea level.

level, and is an aquatic wilderness
and black lava fields.

AFRIMAG9

AfricanFashionA

Some Ankara Styles

frican dresses vary from brightly colored textiles toabstractly embroidered robes, to colorful beaded

bracelets and necklaces. There are numerous African dress

designs that come in all forms. African dress designs are

gaining huge popularity in the fashion world across theglobe. A range of fabrics is used to design African dresses.
For example, many countries in West Africa have distinct dressstyles that are the products of long-standing textile crafts inweaving, dyeing, and printing, but these traditions are still

able to coexist with western styles. For the case of Kente, eachcolor has its own meaning, such as blue for harmony and love,green for harvest, and gold for wealth.

Ankara styles

Ankara styles are one of the most beautiful and most popular
pieces of African clothing. Ankara material is mostly one
hundred percent cotton with very attractive, colorful patterns
that are made using a dyeing method called batik. Ankara
fashion can be styled down to fit any place or event. This
ranges from; church, wedding, work, red carpet, date, andanything place or event you might think of.

10 AFRICAN MAGAZINEAFRIMAG 11

AFRICANFOOD
CULTURET

Let’s learn to cook Fanti Fanti
Fante Fante is a fresh fish sauce consummed in Ghana. It is popular in the central partof Ghana. Ghanians love this recipe because of its simplicity. In this section, we will
give you all you need to know about the recipe and how to get it done.

he diversified nature of African cuisine is one of the components that has uniquely defined thecontinent, delighting locals and travelers on its range of flavors. African cuisine is a unique fusion

Scan QR Code to watch videoof different cultural influences, all combined to create the modern mix of cuisine defining each countryin Africa. Although cuisines cross Africa has evolved over the years, it has, however, retained many of
its original ingredients, as well as cooking methods, particularly in the more rural areas.

FANTI FANTI

Ingredients for 4

Any seafood of your choice【Step １】 Cut and wash the sea food items.

※ Fresh fish could be cod or any white fish

【Step ３】 Heat the palm oil then transfer the blended vegetables,(Fresh fish or Shrimps or Squid)

Ginger paste		

1 tsp

Big fresh tomatoes

2

Garlic paste		Onion			Palm oil		
Maggie cubes		
Salt and pepper

Red bell peppers

Yellow bell pepper

12 AFRICAN MAGAZINE

Instructions

1 tsp
1

5 tbsp1-2

to your taste
1
1【Step ２】 Blend the onion and tomatoes.

ginger paste and garlic paste into it.

【Step ４】 Fry for a minute and add the Maggie cubes, the salt andpepper to your taste.

Leave it for a few seconds and add the seafood and cook

for about 10 minutes and its done!

※ Never overcook your Fanti Fanti.

Also avoid using all kind of spices.

Too much spices changes the taste.

【Step ５】 Garnish with the green and yellow bell pepper【Step ６】 Serve with potatoes or rice.

AFRIMAG 13

WITH AFRICA

A

frican Cultural Heritage is mostly represented
in their dance culture and tradition. In every

region of Africa, drumming, singing, and dancing

is a form of identity through which the people

are represented. This goes along with costumes,
makeover, and other wearable arts. African dances areused to celebrate birth, marriage, death, coronation,

chieftaincy, invocations, and rituals. African festivals
are flavored with dances in rich traditional costumes.

In Africa especially in the sub-Saharan region

the African Chiefs dance in a specific way tocommunicate messages to the audience or observers.

Communication through dance is not music driven
but rather body and soul driven. This is particularly
the case with the Ashanti Chief (Asantehene) in

Ghana who dance for his people to display his royalvirtues and honor his ancestors.

14 AFRICAN MAGAZINEAFRIMAG 15

Young African
Professional’s
Vision for Africa

T

Young African Professional’s Vision for Africa

AFRICAN ALUMNI VISION FOR AFRICA

his is the best time in history to be young and African. We live in an era characterized by an abundanceof opportunities and young African Professionals are empowering the younger generation of Africans

with their skills and expertise. The conversation about Africa is gradually shifting from that of poverty
to one about creativity, business, and investment. Tohoku University in collaboration with the African

Association of Miyagi (AFAM) organized a webinar on August 21, 2022, to mark Tohoku University’s 115th
anniversary. Four young African Professional who graduated from Tohoku University were invited asresource persons to speak on the theme, “AFRICAN ALUMNI VISION FOR AFRICA”.

Ms. Selma Awumbila, a lawyer and Acting Legal

Dr. Emmanuel Jesuyon Dansu, a lecturer at theDr. Hamza Abdelli, a MEMS Design and Development

Ms. Jemima Kibira, Executive Director of the Africa

the first presentation. She earned a master’s degree ingave the second presentation. He earned his PhD

the third presentation. Tohoku University awardedpresentation. Tohoku University awarded her a Master

Manager at Ghana Grid Company Ltd. in Ghana, gave
international environment and resource policy fromTohoku University’s Graduate School of International

Cultural Studies. Her vision for Africa is for the continent

to be united in trade, serving as a model for cross-bordercooperation in an era of growing isolationism. She

envisions that the African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA) would be the world’s largest free trade area
since the formation of the World Trade Organization,bringing together all 55 African Union (AU) member
states to cover a market of more than 1.2 billion people,
including a growing middle class, and a combined GDP

Federal University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria,
in Mathematical Biology from Tohoku University’s

Graduate School of Information Science. His vision
for Africa is to strengthen ties between the Federal
University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria, and Tohoku
University. He hopes that Tohoku University’s Future

Global Leadership and exchange programs will be
expanded to Africa. He aspires to work with progressive

Africans promote African solutions to African problems.
He also hopes to bridge the bilateral knowledge gap

Engineer at Silicon Microgravity in Cambridge, UK, gave
him a master’s and PhD in Engineering. “ConnectReflect-Inspire-Share experiences” are the four main

pillars of his vision for Africa. He hopes to organize
inspirational speeches and workshops to expose andorient the African young generation’s talent. He iscurrently planning to organize seminars in the Algerian

Women’s Health Foundation in Kenya, gave the finalof Science in Palliative Nursing. Her dedication toproviding solution-based services that span Agriculture,
Technology, and Women empowerment demonstrates
her vision for Africa. The audience listened with keeninterest as the alumni shared their giant strides.

universities of Boumerdes, Bordj Bou Arréridj, andOran.

that exists between Africa and the rest of the world.

of $2.6 trillion.

16 AFRICAN MAGAZINEAFRIMAG 17

Supporting Economic
Growth and Developmentof sustainable Fishing
Industry in Namibia

K

anedai Corporation, a Japanese fishing industry, engaged in fishing, seafood, and energy businesses with its

headquarters Kesenuma supports the economic growth and the development of sustainable fishing in Namibia.

The company’s first involvement in Africa was in 1973 when they started crab fishing in Mozambique in collaboration
with two other companies in the same industry. Since then, Kanedai corporation has continued their businessdespite experiencing changes in fishing grounds, two oil shocks, and the stranding of their fishing vessels.

Currently, the company is operating a year-round

The CEO Kanedai Mr. SATO Shunsuke says they will

extensive employment to the local citizens. Kanedai

Namibia and other African countries, while protecting

crab fishing in the Republic of Namibia providing

sell Namibian “whole snow crabs” as raw materials
to domestic and overseas customers, and processsome and sell as commercial products to restaurants
in Japan and to overseas customers.

continue to develop together with local partners in
the flourishing natural environment and fishinggrounds in order to sustain the fishing industry in the
future.

Furthermore, after the Great East Japan Earthquake,the company established the “Kani Monogatari”

brand and the CEO of the company says the Namibianfishing industry is becoming a core business of theircompany, and for nearly 50 years they’ve been

blessed with reliable local partners and have focusedon contributing to the long-term development of theregion through their corporate activities and social
contributions.

18 AFRICAN MAGAZINEAFRIMAG 19

This magazine was published by AFAM. AFAM wasfounded in 2002 with the objective of fostering social

interaction between the African population in

Miyagi Prefecture and the Japanese community.
As the sole registered African associationin Miyagi, AFAM is fully recognized by all

relevant bodies involved with Africans in

the region. We host public seminars on
Africa Development, as well as eventsand activities that showcase African
valuesandculturethroughperformances and community

service work.

AFAM extends a warm welcome to

African international students studying

at universities in the Tohoku Region andprovides support to help them settle in. We

collaborate with institutions such as JICA andlocal companies to organize public seminars

on Africa Development and study tours for foreign

students. AFAM actively participates in events held by

the local government and city hall/ward office. We also

visits nursing homes to engage with senior citizens throughsinging and dancing, showcasing African values.

AFAM has a mission to serve as the main bodysupporting the internationalization concept, notjust in Miyagi, but throughout the Tohoku region

via public seminars, events, and other similar
initiatives. At present, there are multiple
African students studying at universities in
the Tohoku region, and AFAM serves as aunion organization to network with all
Africans in the area.

SPONSORS OF THIS MAGAZINEMIA Tohoku Exposition Memorial International Exchange Fundcontact.afam@afam-org.com

Dowload PDF version of thismagazine here >>Miyagi Coop

Kanedai Corp.

Borderless Corp.

afam-org.com/afrimag/