17 Nov 2019

Collaboration between the Japanese film industry and Botswana can assist in developing creative arts, skills transfer as well as exchange of content and technologies.

Speaking at the official opening of the 11th Japan Film Festival held at New Capitol Cinemas, Riverwalk on November 15, Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation acting director of Asia and the Pacific, Emolemo Morake highlighted that cultural exchanges could help the two nations to better understand each other and appreciate their differences and similarities.

“Economic and technical cooperation is the focus of the bilateral relations between Botswana and Japan, appreciation of each country’s unique arts and culture is another significant factor to deepen mutual understanding between our two countries and people,” she said noting that arts and culture provided deeper insights into culture, traditions and history of a society.

Japan ambassador, Kozo Takeda expressed pleasure in presenting the 11th annual festival.

“I believe that films are influential tools for viewers to get various information and understand different cultures and lifestyle. Every element in a film enables you to gain more knowledge about other cultures or a country, not only through the story line or characters but also the background of the film such as fashion, scenery, customs and music,” he said.

Ambassador Takeda said he hoped that through the film, viewers would be able to observe and experience Japan and identify the similarities and differences of the two cultures.

“I hope you will enjoy the film tonight and that it will bind the friendship between Botswana and Japan”, he said.

The Psychic Kusuo film is based on a super popular manga series which has sold over five million copies in Japan. 

The main character in the film Kusuo, is a high school student born with unimaginable psychic powers but hopes to lead a normal life without special powers. Ends