Japanese in Africa: historical experience of cross-cultural interaction

Authors

  • Nadezhda E. Khokholkova Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences , Yaroslavl State University image/svg+xml Author
  • Ilya A. Bessonov Yaroslavl State University image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18255/1996-5648-2026-2-216-225

Keywords:

africa, japan, travelers, emigrants, cross-cultural interaction, tourism

Abstract

This article analyzes the history of Japanese presence in Africa from the earliest contacts to the present day. It examines the motives for visiting the continent, the most popular locations, the nature of the Japanese presence, their status, and their contribution to the formation of mutual images and perceptions. Particular attention is paid to the experiences of individual emigrants and travelers. The article concludes that the Japanese presence on the continent can be viewed as "punctuated" in both geographical and chronological contexts.

Author Biographies

  • Nadezhda E. Khokholkova, Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yaroslavl State University
    Cand. Sc. (History)
  • Ilya A. Bessonov, Yaroslavl State University
    Graduate

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Published

2026-06-18

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026)

Section

History

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