Greetings from the Head of Mission
January 8, 2026
Ngwaga o mosha Batswana! As we welcome the New Year, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Botswana and to all our partners and friends. The beginning of the year offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared achievements, reaffirm our enduring partnership, and look ahead with renewed commitment to cooperation, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Over the past year I had the privilege of visiting various parts of Botswana and engaging with many Batswana. Through these encounters, I was so surprised to see a lot of similarities between Japan and Botswana. I have witnessed firsthand that Botswana is a remarkably peaceful and democratic nation, where the people are exceptionally humble and friendly. It is my firm commitment this year to further introduce the charms of Botswana—the "Diamond of Africa"—to the people of Japan and to strengthen the bonds between our two nations.
The year 2025 marked a historic milestone in Japan-Botswana relations.
In August, we were honored to welcome His Honour Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance, and Honorable Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama, Japan. During his visit to Japan, Vice President Gaolathe met with numerous Japanese leaders and stakeholders, including the Then-Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru. These meetings have elevated our friendly relationship to a new level, particularly in terms of economic cooperation.
In September, the exceptional performance of the Botswana athletics team at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo moved the hearts of the Japanese audience. The historic achievement of winning gold medals in the Men’s 400m and the Men’s 4x400m relay demonstrated Botswana’s strength to the world. In particular, the dramatic victory in the 4x400m relay final—achieved under the heavy rain "Pula", a word deeply cherished in Botswana and adopted as the name of its national currency—was a symbolic moment that deeply resonated with the friendship between our two countries. Those athletes not only showed Botswana’s human capability, but also contributed to raise awareness about Botswana in Japan. Now they are wonderful Ambassadors of Botswana to Japan!
In November, Vice President Gaolathe visited Japan again, including visits to Hiroshima and Tokyo to engage in crucial dialogues in order to promote Botswana economic transformation, including healthcare, education, vocational training, and manufacturing. As a result of these exchanges, an increasing number of Japanese companies and institutions are showing strong interest in collaborating with Botswana. I am heartened to see our economic relations being strengthened so tangibly.
This year, 2026, marks the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Botswana, as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Botswana. In this landmark year, I will do my utmost to celebrate our history of great friendship and to further advance our partnership in all fields, including the economy, culture, and sports, for the next 60 years.
Botswana is a country filled with immense potential and hope. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our friendship and partnership.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Botswana
SHINDO Yusuke