Japan's home for embracing ubuntu

Japan has long had strategic investment ties with South Africa, but the bond with an orphanage in Orlando, Soweto, goes deeper

- Marion Smith

Japan is South Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with investments in energy, mineral resources and automotive industries creating at least 150 000 jobs.

More than 2000 South Africans have been through technical training in Japan, such as Kaizen, which enhances productivity in the manufacturing sector.

The country has consistently supported industrial development of South Africa and regards South Africa as an important strategic partner.

There are about 260 Japanese company offices in South Africa and the staff and family of this business community, together with permanent residents, make up the Japanese community that is on the front line of bridging strong relationships between Japan and South Africa.

This year marks 115 years of official relations between the two countries.

The Japanese community in Johannesburg has a longstanding bond of friendship and goodwill with the Orlando Children's Home in Soweto, spanning more than 30 years.

The home is one of the oldest orphanages in South Africa.

Yasushi Naito, of the Embassy of Japan, first met the director, Mirriam Masibuko, in 1992.

Since then, mutual exchange visits between learners of the Japanese School of Johannesburg and the Orlando Children's Home have been taking place.