On August 2nd and 3rd, an interactive event titled « Sport for Tomorrow × Africa Action Day 2025 » will be held in Naka Ward, Yokohama, promoting cultural exchange with Africa through sports, music, art, business, and international cooperation.

The event will take place at two venues: JICA Yokohama (Naka Ward, Yokohama) and Yokohama Country & Athletic Club (YC&AC, 11 Yakuchidai, Naka Ward). It is an official partner event of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), scheduled for August 20–22 at Pacifico Yokohama. Young people are actively involved in planning and managing the event, aiming to foster global talent and build sustainable relations between Japan and Africa.

At the JICA Yokohama venue, the « Africa Challenge Market » will offer hands-on experiences of African culture through dance classes, fashion shows, and music workshops. Cross-talk sessions with African speakers titled « Africa Voices » and family-friendly workshops like « African Fabric Piggy Bank » will provide children with opportunities to learn about social issues during summer vacation.

The YC&AC venue will feature programs centered around the Youth Olympic Games, set to debut in Senegal in 2025, including « Baseball5 » and « 3×3 Basketball. » An « Inclusive Sports Festa » will encourage participation regardless of nationality or disabilities, while « World Bon Bon » will blend global traditions with African rhythms in a Bon Odori dance event, creating a lively atmosphere until evening.

Since hosting TICAD5 in 2013, Yokohama has continued to strengthen economic and cultural ties with African nations.

The event runs from 10:00–15:00 on August 2nd and 3rd at JICA Yokohama, and 13:00–21:00 at YC&AC. Admission is free.

View from above

Yokohama World Porters (2 Shinko, Naka Ward) will host a paid rooftop access event, « Roof Top World Special Night, » on August 4th.

The « Roof Top World » reopened on July 18th as a scenic overlook of Minato Mirai. This is part of Yokohama World Porters’ ongoing transformation into an « entertainment mall, » featuring a new 5,600-square-meter open terrace area. Highlights include a deck with panoramic views of Minato Mirai, a sports event plaza, and a « Putter Golf » corner for casual play day or night.

On August 4th, the « Minato Mirai Smart Festival » will take place nearby, culminating in a « Sky Symphony in Yokohama » fireworks display from 19:30–19:55.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the fireworks and night views from the new « Observation Deck » or « Lawn Plaza, » paired with Yokohama World Porters’ sweets and drinks for a special evening.

The Observation Deck is sold out, while Lawn Plaza tickets cost ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for children (elementary/junior high students).

Event hours: 17:30–20:30 (registration opens at 15:00).

JICA Yokohama

JICA Yokohama is a facility operated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), located in Yokohama, Japan. It serves as a hub for international cooperation, offering training programs and exhibitions to promote global development and cultural exchange. The center highlights Japan’s role in international aid and features interactive displays on global issues, reflecting Yokohama’s history as a key port city connected to worldwide trade and diplomacy.

Yokohama Country & Athletic Club (YC&AC)

The **Yokohama Country & Athletic Club (YC&AC)**, established in 1868, is one of Japan’s oldest Western-style sports and social clubs. Founded by foreign residents during the Meiji era, it initially served as a recreational hub for cricket, rugby, and other sports. Today, YC&AC remains a prominent multicultural club, preserving its historic legacy while offering modern facilities.

Pacifico Yokohama

Pacifico Yokohama is a major convention and exhibition center located in Yokohama, Japan, opened in 1991 as part of the city’s urban development efforts. It features a striking modern design, including the iconic « Queen’s Square » area, and hosts a variety of international events, from trade shows to concerts. The complex symbolizes Yokohama’s role as a global hub for business and culture, reflecting the city’s historical significance as one of Japan’s first ports opened to foreign trade in the 19th century.

Yokohama World Porters

Yokohama World Porters is a large shopping and entertainment complex located in Yokohama, Japan, near the city’s vibrant waterfront. Opened in 1999, it was designed to reflect Yokohama’s historical role as a major international port, blending modern retail with maritime-themed attractions. The complex features over 200 shops, restaurants, a cinema, and event spaces, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Minato Mirai

Minato Mirai is a modern waterfront district in Yokohama, Japan, known for its futuristic skyline, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. Developed in the 1980s on reclaimed land, it transformed from an industrial shipyard area into a bustling urban hub. Key attractions include the Landmark Tower, Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, and the interactive Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum.

Observation Deck

An **Observation Deck** is a raised platform or structure designed to provide panoramic views of landscapes, cityscapes, or landmarks. Often found in skyscrapers, towers, or natural vantage points, these decks have been popular since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with iconic examples like the Empire State Building’s deck (opened in 1931). They serve both as tourist attractions and architectural feats, offering visitors a unique perspective of their surroundings.

Lawn Plaza

Lawn Plaza is a modern public space or commercial complex, often found in urban areas, designed for community gatherings, events, and leisure. While specific historical details may vary by location, such plazas typically emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century as part of urban development projects to enhance public engagement and city aesthetics. If referring to a particular Lawn Plaza, additional context about its location or significance would help provide a more precise summary.

Sky Symphony in Yokohama

« Sky Symphony » is a captivating light and sound show located in Yokohama, Japan, often featured at the city’s iconic Landmark Tower or nearby venues. The spectacle combines dazzling projections, music, and sometimes fireworks, celebrating Yokohama’s modern skyline and maritime heritage. While not deeply historical, it reflects the city’s innovative spirit and is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.