TOKYO AFRICA TALK #3
Book Launch Talk Session & Networking Reception
with H.E. Ahmed Araïta Ali, Former Ambassador of Djibouti to Japan
Book Launch Event for "My Wonderful Years as Ambassador of Djibouti in Japan"
"Tokyo Africa Talks" is an event series exploring the diverse appeal of African nations and their connections with Japan. For our third installment, we are honored to welcome H.E. Ahmed Araïta Ali, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Djibouti to Japan, for a special talk session and book launch event celebrating the publication of his new book!
Having served as Ambassador to Japan for 13 years from 2008 to 2021, H.E. Ahmed Araïta Ali acted as a vital bridge between the two nations. Translated into Japanese by H.E. Takashi Shinozuka, former Ambassador of Japan to Morocco, this book warmly reflects on the author's years in Japan, capturing the diplomatic milestones, cultural exchanges, and deep personal connections built along the way.
During the event, H.E. Ahmed Araïta Ali will share heartfelt stories from his long diplomatic career, his love for Japan, hidden gems of Djibouti, and inspiring messages for the future of Japan-Africa relations.
Join us to rediscover the deep bond between Japan, Djibouti, and the African continent through the author's words and story. We look forward to seeing you at the venue!
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 27 | Doors Open 19:00 / Start 19:30 / End 21:30 (Scheduled)
Venue: C LOUNGE (Le Cottages Bldg. 201, 3-27-22 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3a93ZfUnDL8bdWp8
Organizer: Stagebank Inc.
Co-organizer: N.creative Co., Ltd.
Admission: Free
Languages: Japanese / English
Food & Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase
TALK GUESTS
Former Djibouti Ambassador to Japan
H.E. Ahmed Araïta Ali
Served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Djibouti to Japan for nearly 14 years from 2008 to 2021, dedicating himself to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between the two nations. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to fostering friendship between Japan and Djibouti, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, by the Government of Japan. Following his tenure as Ambassador, he turned his focus to addressing governance and sustainable development challenges across the African continent.
In 2022, he was appointed to the Panel of Eminent Persons of the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), engaging in peer reviews of member states, supporting governance reforms, and driving strategic policy for conflict prevention and economic governance. In 2025, he was elected Vice-Chairperson of the Panel, assuming key leadership roles such as co-chairing joint initiatives with the AU Peace and Security Council and spearheading the compilation of the Africa Governance Report.
Currently, he serves as Secretary-General of the Sovereign Carbon Agency of the Republic of Djibouti (ASCR), leading initiatives in climate finance, green economy, and sustainable economic growth through the utilization of natural capital and carbon credits.
Designer
EMEL
Djiboutian-Eritrean fashion designer, owning her fashion brand, ALSA SAMA (ALCA). With a long history of residence in Japan, her first solo exhibition in Ginza was attended by Her Imperial Highness Princess Kiko of Takamado. After participating twice in shows produced by Tokyo Africa Collection, she has also showcased her work at Vancouver Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. Currently based in Lyon, France, she is scheduled to participate in Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo at the end of August 2023.
CEO, Stagebank
Leo Sugo
Founded "Tokyo Africa Collection," an Africa-themed fashion show, during his university studies in 2016 and has served as its leader ever since. In 2018, he joined P&G as a fresh graduate, serving as Brand Manager and Director in Japan and Singapore. In 2019, he incorporated "Tokyo Africa Collection" (now Stagebank Inc.) and assumed the position of Representative Director. After leaving P&G, he focused fully on Stagebank's operations. In 2025, he co-founded the Japan Africa Entertainment Business Council (JAEBC), serving as Co-Representative. Marking the 10th anniversary of Tokyo Africa Collection in 2026, he launched a new fashion show, "First Collection." Holds a Bachelor's degree from Waseda University and a Master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
