40th anniversary celebration held for the Swahili Department in the School of Foreign Studies

On July 19, 2026, the Swahili Department in the School of Foreign Studies held its 40th anniversary celebration at the Osaka University of Foreign Studies Commemoration Hall on the first floor of Research and Education Hub of the Minoh Campus. Many people came together to celebrate this important milestone.

The event brought together approximately 170 participants onsite and online, including current students, alumni, faculty and staff, as well as other stakeholders from within and outside UOsaka. Participants looked back on the department's achievements over the past 40 years and discussed the importance of education and research in Swahili and African studies, along with future directions for the field. Moreover, the event demonstrated how studying Swahili has brought people together across generations and positions, underscoring the deep connections that are a strength of the department.

Among the distinguished speakers were Anderson Gukwi MUTATEMBWA (Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Japan), Arthur ANDAMBI (Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Japan), MISAWA Yasushi (Representative of the Government of Japan and Ambassador) and TAKAHASHI Misako (Director-General of the African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The speakers highlighted the significance of Japan's ties with African nations and the value of interpersonal exchange, while expressing expectations that Swahili language education would contribute to greater mutual understanding.

In addition, a congratulatory message from President KUMANOGOH Atsushi was presented by the moderator, a graduate of the department, on his behalf. The message celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Swahili Department, expressing sincere gratitude to the alumni, faculty, and other supporters who have sustained the department, together with ambassadors and government representatives dedicated to fostering international exchange. It also honored the department's longstanding traditions and accomplishments while looking ahead to its further development and future success.

Following the ceremony, the reception commenced with a toast led by Professor KOMORI Junko. Attendees enjoyed Swahili cuisine prepared for the occasion, along with craft beer from Minoh Beer Inc., highlighting the event's connection with the local community through industry collaboration.

The event also featured messages from former faculty members of the Swahili Department, who reflected on its accumulated accomplishments in education and research and recounted their experiences with students and alumni over the years. A video message from a former international faculty member was also presented during the event.

Alumni representing different generations also spoke about how their experiences studying in the department had influenced their careers, work, and international engagement, highlighting the wide-ranging value of the education they received.

Current students presented speeches in Swahili, demonstrating the fruits of their learning and symbolizing the program's enduring legacy across generations. The celebration was further enriched by live performances of African music and dance by alumni, with the venue filled with enthusiastic applause.

Building on its strengths in language education and area studies, the department will continue its efforts to foster globally minded individuals and advance research that contributes to the international community.

[Related link]
Swahili Department: https://www.sfs.osaka-u.ac.jp/major/swahili/ (link in Japanese)