On a ceremony held on November 25, 2009, at the Embassy of South Africa, Mr. Hidetoshi NAKATA, one of the most famous Asian footballers of his generation and a recently appointed Friendship Ambassador of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, was recognized by the African Diplomatic Corps for his involvement in Africa.

Mr. NAKATA discovered the Continent of Africa in 2008 when he organized a 30 day tour to 7 African countries, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Mali, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania. Since then, through his “TAKE ACTION FOUNDATION” he has engaged in humanitarian activities aimed at improving the quality of lives of the people on the African Continent, particularly on health, education and sport. In this regard, the host of the ceremony, the Ambassador of South Africa to Japan, H.E. Mr. Gert J. GROBLER, in his welcome address expressed the appreciation and admiration of the excellent work and initiatives by Mr. NAKATA on Africa. He also indicated that one of main reason for being so happy with the presence of Mr. NAKATA at the Embassy of South Africa was that, together, African countries are already thinking about the legacy of the World Cup for Africa after July 2010. For him, Mr. NAKATA is an excellent asset for promoting positively Africa in Japan. (To read more about the Ambassador’s opening remarks, click here.)

In the same vein, the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mr. Jean Christian OBAME indicated that by launching of the “TAKE ACTION FOUNDATION”, to support people in need through Football, Ambassador NAKATA has not only set an example of active solidarity with Africa, but also shed a “light of Hope” on African youths. He observed that while Africa has a large potential of human resources ready to be trained in various fields, including in sport, the lack of adequate infrastructure (football training schools and other logistical impediments) make it difficult for young athletes to perform well in Africa. Therefore, as complementary actions taken by African Governments, contributions from sponsors and generous donors, such as Mr. NIKATA, would always be welcomed and appreciated. Finally, the Dean expressed the expectation that, as a truly legacy, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa would be an important milestone for cementing a strategic partnership between Africa and Japan in the areas of tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges. (To read more about the Dean’s speaking notes, click here.)

Responding to the Ambassador of South Africa and to the Dean of the ADC, Mr. NAKATA expressed his gratitude for being honored by the African Diplomatic Corps in Japan. He humbly indicated that through his TAKE ACTION FOUNDATION, he is willing to contribute to the improvement of the quality of lives in Africa by helping the youths. He also indicated that he has been impressed by the hospitality received in Africa and by that continent which is endowed with so many human and natural resources. He subsequently volunteers himself to work with the African Diplomatic Corps so as to promote more positively the image of Africa in Japan.