A trusted bridge between Africa and Japan in the Tohoku region
The African Association of Miyagi (AFAM) is a platform of connection, cultural diplomacy, education, and community engagement. Since 2002, AFAM has worked to deepen understanding, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful opportunities for Africans, Caribbeans, people of African descent, and the wider Japanese community.
About AFAM and Our Story
This page presents AFAM’s identity, mission, vision, impact, and institutional role. The historical journey and founding narrative of the association appears on the separate Our Story page.
Who We Are
The African Association of Miyagi is the only officially registered African association in Miyagi that is widely recognized by institutions and organizations engaged with African affairs in the region. More than a community body, AFAM serves as a respected voice, a cultural ambassador, and a collaborative platform for stronger Africa–Japan relations.
▶ Watch AFAM Promotional VideoOur Identity
AFAM brings together African students, professionals, families, Caribbeans, and all people of African descent, while also welcoming Japanese friends, institutions, and partners who believe in intercultural dialogue and shared growth.
It is a space where heritage is respected, leadership is encouraged, and diversity becomes a source of strength and dignity. Through this work, AFAM transforms distance into connection and unfamiliarity into understanding.
What We Do
AFAM organizes public seminars on Africa’s development, cultural events, educational outreach, networking activities, community service initiatives, and partnership-based programs.
These activities showcase African values, traditions, creativity, and perspectives, while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement across communities in Japan. We believe that genuine exchange is one of the strongest foundations for friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Vision and Mission
AFAM exists not simply to represent a community, but to help shape a more connected future—one in which Africa is better understood, Africans in Japan are better supported, and intercultural engagement leads to shared learning, belonging, and meaningful cooperation.
Vision
AFAM will be the leading voice, cultural ambassador, and knowledge hub of Africa in Japan—connecting communities, inspiring understanding, and showcasing Africa’s rich diversity to Japanese society and beyond.
Mission
The African Association of Miyagi exists to celebrate, connect, and amplify African culture, knowledge, and voices in Japan.
We are dedicated to fostering intercultural understanding, empowering African students and professionals, promoting authentic African stories, and serving as a hub for education, dialogue, news, and cultural exchange. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, AFAM seeks to bridge Africa and Japan and strengthen the presence and impact of Africa, the Caribbean, and people of African descent within Japanese society.
Cultural Diplomacy
Promoting authentic African cultures, values, and heritage through public engagement and exchange.
Education & Mentorship
Supporting students and emerging leaders with guidance, networks, encouragement, and opportunities.
Partnership & Dialogue
Working with universities, institutions, businesses, and communities to create lasting impact.
Community Service
Contributing to local society through volunteerism, inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and care.
How AFAM Creates Impact
AFAM’s work goes beyond gatherings and celebrations. Our initiatives are designed to foster belonging, build public understanding, and contribute meaningfully to the social, cultural, and intellectual life of the region.
Support for Students and the Diaspora
AFAM actively welcomes African international students, Caribbeans, and all people of African descent studying in the Tohoku region. We provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and platforms for cultural expression, while helping members navigate both academic and social life in Japan.
Students are also encouraged to connect with the AFAM Student Wing, a vibrant platform for leadership, community support, and engagement.
Join Student Wing →Institutional Collaboration
AFAM works with institutions such as JICA, Miyagi International Association (MIA), universities in Tohoku, local governments, and regional businesses. Through these partnerships, we co-host seminars, organize study tours, support educational exchange, and contribute to regional regeneration and internationalization efforts.
Public Education and Cultural Engagement
Through seminars on Africa’s development, cultural forums, exhibitions, performances, and community events, AFAM helps present Africa in its richness, diversity, and contemporary relevance. We challenge stereotypes, broaden knowledge, and create space for genuine intercultural learning.
Volunteerism and Local Connection
AFAM members also take part in volunteer activities and local community programs, including visits to nursing homes where they engage senior citizens through music, dance, and intercultural dialogue. These exchanges reflect AFAM’s belief that internationalization begins with human connection at the community level.
AFAM Student Housing Service
AFAM tries to understand the needs of students who are looking for rooms, and the Welfare Committee helps students find safe and secure housing that offers many advantages based on their requirements, such as closeness to the university, affordable rent, and good security.
AFAM also provides support after a student finds a room by giving practical information on movers, furniture, and settling into a new living environment in Japan.
AFAM has a network of real estate agents who understand the needs of foreign students. Students looking for a new house or apartment can fill out the online application form below.
Apply for Housing SupportRepresentation and Long-Term Community Building
AFAM is not only an event-based association. It serves as a platform for long-term relationship-building, leadership development, institutional trust, and public visibility for African communities in Miyagi and across the wider Tohoku region.
Message from the President
AFAM’s leadership vision is rooted in service, collaboration, and the belief that cultural organizations can become powerful platforms for social transformation and mutual understanding.
Governance, Constitution, and Electoral Framework
AFAM has adopted a stronger governance structure to support long-term growth, leadership continuity, student participation across universities, and accountability under one unified Central AFAM Body.
AFAM Constitution
Read the constitutional framework guiding AFAM’s identity, structure, leadership, membership, and governance.
Enhanced Leadership Structure
See the provisions on Central leadership, Student Wings, term limits, elections, appointments, and transition.
Electoral Guidelines
Review the implementation guide for university chapter elections, eligibility, validation, disputes, and handover.
Our Logo and What It Represents
The AFAM logo reflects the heart of our mission: to bring Africa and Japan into closer relationship through love, exchange, and unity. Its symbolism expresses the values that guide our work and the spirit of mutual respect that defines our association.
Meaning Behind the Design
In the AFAM logo, Africa and Japan are depicted as close, symbolizing that distance is no longer a barrier. Red represents the love connecting Africa and Japan across the globe, while the globe itself signifies unity.
Black reflects African culture, and white reflects Japanese culture. Notably, Japan adopts black while Africa adopts white in the design, symbolizing mutual cultural exchange. The logo therefore embodies the values of love, exchange, and unity, which continue to guide AFAM’s work.
Designer Story
In November 2016, AFAM launched a contest through its website to design a new logo. The response from members was overwhelming, and the final design was selected through online polling and majority vote.
The winning designer, Abdeli Hamza, was born in Algeria in February 1990. He earned a State Engineer Diploma in Electrical Engineering in Algeria and later completed a Master’s degree in Robotics in France. He went on to pursue doctoral research in Robotic Engineering at Tohoku University in Professor Shuji Tanaka’s MEMS laboratory.
His long-standing passion for art and design helped produce a logo that continues to represent AFAM with distinction.
Join a community that connects cultures and shapes futures
Whether you are a student, professional, institution, or friend of Africa, AFAM welcomes collaboration, participation, and shared purpose in building stronger Africa–Japan relationships.
Connect with AFAM Explore Student Wing →