The 22nd edition of AFRI CONVERSE, a collaborative initiative by UNDP and JICA, will take center stage at Expo 2025 Osaka under the theme “Interwoven Cultures: Exploring the Power of African Textiles.” Scheduled for May 25—also observed as Africa Day—the event is part of the “Celebrate Africa 2025” program and aims to highlight the cultural, historical, and economic significance of African textiles through fashion and open dialogue.
The immersive program will feature interactive sessions and fashion shows, showcasing iconic fabrics such as Ghana’s Kente, Mali’s Bogolanfini, and Nigeria’s Adire, which are celebrated as “talking textiles” for their rich symbolism and heritage.
Highlights:
- Fashion Shows:
- Fabric in Motion (Kimono × African Textiles) by ODASHO – WAFRICA
- Fabric with NexGen (Harajuku Culture × African Textiles) by Melanger Etranger
- Talk Sessions:
- Textiles as First Step into Africa
- Fashion as a Force for Social Change
- Notable Speakers & Moderators:
- Naoki Ando (JICA), Anieheobi Frances Chinwe (Nigeria’s Ministry of Planning), Mika Shimojo (ODASHO), Yuka Kobayashi (Melanger Etranger), among others.
This hybrid event—held both on-site at Festival Station, Expo 2025 Osaka, and online—underscores the visions of TICAD9 and Expo 2025 to promote cultural dialogue, sustainability, and youth-driven innovation. It reflects Japan and Africa’s shared commitment to co-creation and cultural exchange, especially in textiles.
Event Details:
📅 May 25, 2025
🕒 13:40–15:10 JST
📍 Festival Station, Expo 2025 Osaka
Admission is free (on-site attendees must hold an Expo 2025 ticket). The event will offer simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Japanese.
Join this vibrant celebration where fabric tells stories and bridges cultures—weaving a shared future for Japan and Africa.
