REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES
Tokyo, November 11, 2025 –
The Embassy of the Republic of Angola in Japan celebrated the 50th anniversary of National Independence this Tuesday, in an event that brought together about two hundred guests, including Japanese authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Angolan community residing in Japan.
On the occasion, Ambassador Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho highlighted the socioeconomic advancements registered in Angola, evidenced by the construction and modernization of essential infrastructure — roads, railways, ports, airports, hospitals, schools, and housing — as well as by the improvement of the business environment, which aims to attract more foreign investment.
The diplomat also underlined the importance of the Angolan diaspora in the national development process, appealing to students and professionals to return to the country after completing their training, to contribute their knowledge and experience.
Representing the Government of Japan, the Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour, and Welfare, Niki Hirobuni, highlighted the impact of the message presented by Angola at the Osaka Expo 2025, focused on education and health as pillars of a prosperous and sustainable future.
In turn, the Director of the Africa Division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Imafuku Takao, praised the strengthening of bilateral relations over nearly half a century and recognized the role of President João Lourenço in the leadership of the African Union, promoting innovative solutions to the continent’s challenges.
The event concluded with a cultural moment that showcased Angola’s diversity through a parade of typical costumes and a traditional dance presentation.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, November 11, 2025.
REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES
Tokyo, November 11, 2025 –
The Embassy of Angola in Japan marked the 50th anniversary of National Independence with a solemn reception at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo, bringing together about 200 guests, including diplomats, Japanese authorities, and members of the Angolan community.
The event room was decorated with the national colours and meticulously prepared to receive the guests, featuring the sound of Angolan music and the presence of typical dishes, which helped reinforce the cultural atmosphere of the celebration.
Under the motto, “Preserve and Value the Achievements Made, Building a Better Future,” the event was attended by the Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare, Niki Hirobuni, and the Director of the African Division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Imafuku Takao, in addition to members of the diplomatic corps and the Angolan community residing in the country.
The ceremony was presided over by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, who, on the occasion, gave a historical overview of the stages that led the country to independence, also addressing the struggle for socio-economic development, Angola-Japan relations, and the role of Angola in the concert of nations.
The celebration marked a moment of reflection on the country’s journey and a reaffirmation of commitment to a future of progress and international cooperation.
During the commemorative ceremony for the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence, the Japanese choir Kanagawa Sohgoh, composed of young students, performed the national anthems of Angola and Japan, in a gesture of tribute and strengthening of cultural and diplomatic ties between both nations.
Ambassador Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho presided over the reception, acting as the host and welcoming the guests with the cordiality that marked the entire commemorative ceremony.
During the commemorative ceremony for November 11th, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, addressed those present, highlighting the significance of the date and reaffirming Angola’s commitment to cooperation and mutual development.
The Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, Niki Hirobuni, who represented the Japanese Government at the ceremony, highlighted the relevance of Angola’s message for Expo Osaka 2025, emphasizing the centrality of education and health in building a prosperous and sustainable future.
The Director of the African Division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Imafuku Takao, welcomed the strengthening of bilateral relations built over almost five decades and acknowledged the role of President João Lourenço in the leadership of the African Union, underscoring his contribution to promoting innovative solutions in the face of challenges on the African continent.
The diplomatic corps resident in Tokyo participated in the commemorative ceremony for Angola’s 50th Anniversary of Independence, a gesture that demonstrates international recognition and the strengthening of the country’s multilateral relations.
The Angolan community in Japan actively participated in the November 11th celebration, in a moment of tribute to the country’s history and a reaffirmation of its presence and contribution in Japan.
Representatives of various Japanese entities attended the November 11th commemorative ceremony in Tokyo, demonstrating the appreciation and continuous cooperation between Japan and Angola.
The ceremony concluded with a cultural segment that highlighted Angola’s diversity through a parade of traditional costumes and a typical dance performance, reinforcing the value of Angolan cultural heritage.
“Today we celebrate the harmony of a joyful people, of a resilient nation, and of a beautiful land, committed to doing better and better for the construction of a prosperous and solid country.” Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“Since the beginnings of our independence, through the process of peace and national reconciliation, the Angolan Government launched a vast program of reconstruction and development, which allowed for the construction of essential infrastructure, the rehabilitation of cities, the improvement of social services, and the implementation of economic, administrative, and judicial reforms, promoting transparency, sustainable growth, and reinvestment in strategic projects for the country.” Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“The relations of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Angola and Japan were established in September 1976, and throughout these years, Japan has been a strategic partner in the development of our country, supporting programs in demining, agriculture, industry, telecommunications, energy, water, health, training of personnel, and infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of the Josina Machel Hospital and the Port of Namibe. This partnership demonstrates the importance of Japan in Angola’s sustainable development process.” Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho,Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“Within the framework of high-level exchange visits, His Excellency João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, visited Japan on three occasions, the most recent being at the TICAD-9 Summit in Yokohama, where, in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union, he co-chaired meetings with the then Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba. During this visit, Angola signed various bilateral agreements in the areas of infrastructure, health, personnel training, water distribution, and fisheries, strengthening the legal and strategic cooperation between our countries. We want to continue to earn Japan’s trust and work in partnership to open up opportunities and investments that consolidate strategic cooperation in various domains.” Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“This Angola that is reborn today wants to continue counting on the contribution of its best sons and daughters. Despite being far from the country, your love for the homeland and the willingness to give your best must remain alive in your hearts. You are all part of this process, and we want to maximize the knowledge and expertise you have acquired in your different specializations, to create a dynamic, developed, and harmonious country for all. We count on you.” Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“In August, TICAD 9 was held in Yokohama, where Angola, as Chairperson of the African Union, acted alongside Japan as Co-chair. During the conference, events aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa were also held. Japan places great importance on UHC based on the concept of human security and has played a leading role in international efforts.” Niki Hirobuni,Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
“In cooperation with the WHO and the World Bank, we are promoting the ‘UHC Knowledge Hub’ initiative, which serves as a global center to gather specialized knowledge and foster human resources to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in developing countries. To build a prosperous and healthy future, we hope to continue working in close collaboration with Angola to further promote UHC. Finally, I express my sincere wishes for the continued development of the friendly and cooperative relationship between Japan and Angola, and for good health and well-being to all present. Thank you very much.” Niki Hirobuni,Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
“The relations between Japan and Angola, established in 1976, will soon celebrate their 50th anniversary, while the Angolan Embassy in Tokyo will celebrate its 25th anniversary on November 24th. During this period, bilateral cooperation has expanded from development assistance areas, such as demining, agriculture, insurance, and human resources training, to large-scale projects involving Japanese companies and the private sector.” Imafuku Takao,Director of the African Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
“TICAD 9, held in Yokohama in August, was a resounding success, with the participation of African leaders, including Heads of State, and approximately 200 Japanese companies and organizations. I would like to express my gratitude to President João Lourenço, who co-chaired the conference alongside former Prime Minister Ishiba, demonstrating strong leadership as Chairperson of the African Union. During the opening ceremony, President Lourenço emphasized that ‘in our interdependent world, there is no alternative to multilateralism to achieve development goals.’ Under the theme ‘Co-creating Innovative Solutions,’ TICAD 9 promoted discussions on how to unite Japanese technology and expertise with African solutions, resulting in the adoption of the ‘Yokohama Declaration.’ Japan will continue to strengthen its cooperation with Angola, African nations, and the African Union as a reliable partner of Africa.” Imafuku Takao,Director of the African Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
“In the Angola Pavilion at Expo Osaka-Kansai, under the theme ‘Educating the Community for a Better Future,’ the message of how education promotes a healthy society was conveyed. Based on half a century of cooperation between Angola and Japan, I express my hope that the relations between our two countries will continue to strengthen and develop in the future.” Imafuku Takao,Director of the African Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES
Tokyo (Japan), November 10, 2025 –
The Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, authors an opinion article entitled “A Bright Future Approaches After 50 Years,” which will be published in the November 11, 2025, edition of The Japan Timesnewspaper, the one with the largest circulation in the Land of the Rising Sun.
In the text, the Ambassador highlights the gains achieved through peace and underscores the country’s victories toward development and social progress, while also pointing out the persistent challenges in improving the living conditions of all Angolans.
The diplomat emphasizes the importance of national reconciliation, invoking the recognition by the President of the Republic, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, of all the valiant combatants who contributed to the construction and building of the Nation, founded on the principles of solidarity, unity, and the consolidation of the Rule of Law.
The article also highlights Angola’s trajectory in promoting national unity and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges still present, with a focus on infrastructure construction, combating poverty and corruption, and creating a favorable business environment to attract foreign investment.
Ambassador Teodolinda Coelho further underscores the commitment of the President of the Republic to promoting peace and stability on the African continent through dialogue and conflict mediation, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. She thus highlights Angola’s transformation from a country once devastated by war into a credible partner in African and global diplomacy, strengthening its international image.
In closing the article, the Ambassador expresses the wish that, with Japan’s recognized industrial capacity, Angola becomes a strategic partner of reference on the African continent. She also appeals to Angolan students residing in Japan to maintain exemplary conduct and, upon completing their training, contribute to the building of the country dreamed of by the heroes of independence.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, November 10, 2025.
REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES
Tokyo (Japan), November 10, 2025 –
An institutional spot marking the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence is being shown on a giant screen at Shibuya Crossing, in Tokyo, considered the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, with up to 3,000 people crossing during a single green light cycle.
The video’s launch was witnessed by the Angolan Ambassador to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, and is part of the November 11th celebrations in this country.
“This display symbolizes Angola’s pride and journey over five decades of independence,” highlighted Ambassador Teodolinda Coelho.
The 30-second spot is shown once every half hour until tomorrow, the date on which the Embassy promotes the official ceremony alluding to November 11th, reserved for Japanese entities and the diplomatic corps accredited in the country.
This is an important marketing exercise by the Angolan Embassy in Japan, which takes advantage of the intense movement of tourists of various nationalities who visit the location daily, to show the current image of Angola, its historical path to independence, the firm steps towards development, and its tourist landscapes.
Shibuya Crossing, in the Japanese capital, is a famous tourist destination, known worldwide for the high number of passersby who circulate there daily, and is widely featured on television, in films, and other media.
Opened in 1973, the crossing — which served as a calling card for the 2020 Olympic Games, held only in 2021 due to Covid-19 — receives around 260,000 pedestrians per day, reaching 500,000 on the busiest days, which amounts to approximately 3.9 million people per week.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES, OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, on November 10, 2025.
The Angolan National Karate Team revalidated the World Title in team kumite at the 11th edition of the Japan Karate Shotokan Association (JKA) World Championship, held at the Ehime Prefectural Budokan, in the city of Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
Represented by the Japan Karate Shotokan Association of Angola, the national delegation, made up of athletes from various provinces, once again demonstrated its technical and tactical superiority, leaving the Japanese public impressed with the quality of their performances.
The achievement repeats the feat accomplished in 2023, in Lübeck (Germany), when Angola won the same world title.
Giliano André won the gold medal and Angola revalidated the individual and team world title.
Awaiting the official release of the overall medal tally by the organization, Angola currently has a total of 39 medals – 15 gold, 16 silver, and 8 bronze.
🥇 GOLD MEDALS
Tiago João 🥇 (1)
Jesus Muanza 🥇 (1)
Victor Sousa 🥇 (1 individual + 1 team)
Emílio Cruz 🥇 (team)
Rodrigo Longa 🥇 (team)
Giliano André 🥇 (1 individual + 1 team)
Orlando Mbeya 🥇 (team)
Carlos João 🥇 (team)
Oteldino Barros 🥇 (team)
Emanuel Vasconcelos 🥇 (team)
🥈 SILVER MEDALS
Tiago Costa 🥈 (team)
Tiago João 🥈 (team)
Ana Mendes 🥈🥈 (2 individual)
Emanuel Vasconcelos 🥈 (1 individual)
Oteldino Barros 🥈 (1 individual)
Orlando Mbeya 🥈 (1 individual)
Laurinda Cauanda 🥈 (1)
Cristina Castela 🥈 (1)
Elisa François 🥈 (1)
André Nsingi 🥈 (1)
Ana Mendes 🥈 (1 additional)
Aldrovandi Mongo 🥈 (team)
Mário Vasconcelos 🥈 (team)
Ernesto Augusto 🥈 (team)
Leandro David 🥈 (team)
Lendoken Vasconcelos 🥈 (team)
🥉 BRONZE MEDALS
Tiago Costa 🥉 (1)
André Nsingi 🥉 (1)
Cristina Castela 🥉 (1)
Emanuel Vasconcelos 🥉 (1)
Oteldino Barros 🥉 (1)
Juelson Vicente 🥉 (1)
Cleiton Catumbela 🥉 (1)
Rodrigo Longa 🥉 (1)
🏆 Total Medal Count 🥇 Gold – 15 🥈 Silver – 16 🥉 Bronze – 8
Grand Total: 39 medals for Angola
The head of the Angolan delegation, Francisco Carmelino, believes that “these medals reflect the dedication, discipline, and love for the flag shown by the athletes.”
The triumph gains special significance in the year that Angola celebrates the 50th anniversary of National Independence.
The victory was witnessed by the Ambassador of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, who traveled from Tokyo to Matsuyama to provide institutional support to the delegation, which consists of 28 members.
Before returning to Luanda, the athletes and officials were treated to a fraternal lunch offered by the Angolan Embassy in Japan.
REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES
Tokyo, 10/28/25
The Ambassador of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, visited the studios of NHK, the country’s largest television channel and one of the main ones on the Asian continent, this Tuesday (10/28/2025).
The diplomat held a brief meeting with the NHK Board of Directors, represented by Tsunetomo Watanabe, Deputy Managing Director; Isamu Kobayashi, Director of International Service; and Ando Masaaki, Foreign Languages Producer for the television station.
During the meeting, Ambassador Teodolinda Coelho, who thanked them for the reception and availability, was informed about the operational dynamics of NHK, which broadcasts in Japanese and English, in addition to offering a service in Portuguese in its digital version, also prioritizing journalistic coverage of the African continent.
NHK was the first broadcaster in the world to transmit in high definition and currently offers up-to-date information about Japan and Asia through television, radio, and the internet, reaching a worldwide audience.
Its programming highlights include news, alert services — due to the country’s eminently seismic nature — sports, music, the production of documentaries, soap operas, and children’s programs.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Counselor Laureano Cabral Neto and Press Attaché Celestino Dombi.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES, OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, on October 28, 2025.
Angola is participating in the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC) in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, between October 22 and 23. The event brings together 57 countries and 16 international organizations.
The Angolan delegation is headed by the Director-General of the National Mine Action Agency, Brigadier Leonardo Severino Sapalo, who, in his address on the first day of the proceedings, shared Angola’s experience with the goal of contributing to viable solutions aimed at accelerating the demining process and supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Brigadier Leonardo Severino Sapalo provided a retrospective of the years of armed conflict in Angola and highlighted the profound impact of landmines on the country’s life, from the destruction of infrastructure to the contamination of agricultural areas, roads, urban centers, water sources, and other vital zones.
He recalled that, with the achievement of peace in 2002 and the ratification of the Ottawa Convention, Angola assumed the commitment to free its territory from the threat of landmines.
He further highlighted the joint work of the Angolan Armed Forces, the National Demining Center, national and foreign non-governmental organizations, as well as private operators, from emergency demining actions during the years of conflict to large-scale operations for the total elimination of mines and the creation of conditions for sustainable development.
The official underscored the fundamental contribution of international partners and donor countries, whose support over more than three decades was crucial for the significant progress in Angola’s demining process. However, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the cause and appealed for continued international funding, warning that there are still 966 identified minefields in the national territory.
The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, declared, in his State of the Nation address, that in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation to celebrate the jubilee of national independence, the signatories of the Alvor Agreements, Agostinho Neto, Holden Roberto, and Jonas Savimbi, will be decorated with the commemorative medal for the 50th anniversary of National Independence.
The Head of State made this announcement at the National Assembly, in his message on the state of the Nation.
“For us, 50 is not just a number, it is synonymous with recognition of our history of struggles, with the eternalization of our glorious past, it is synonymous with peace, with forgiveness, and with the will to rise up together to realize our dreams,” João Lourenço added.
“It is a symbol of the reaffirmation of commitment to the values of the homeland, a confirmation of our hope, and a reaffirmation of our confidence; it is synonymous with our certainty that ‘United Angola will win’,” he emphasized, recalling that this is a nation that “learns from its mistakes, overcomes its challenges, and celebrates its achievements—this is the state of the Nation that we have been building together for 50 years.”
At the end of the message to the Nation, the Head of State received a standing ovation from the members of the National Assembly and other guests present in the plenary hall.
The Head of State, João Lourenço, reiterated, in his speech on the State of the Nation, full confidence in the youth, emphasizing that the country can count on this demographic to continue the dynamic of building a prosperous society for all Angolans.
“We have no doubt that, just as Angolan youth was the protagonist of the great achievements of our history, resisted against colonial oppression, fought and won National Independence, ensured territorial integrity, won peace, and is actively participating in the reconstruction of the country. The youth is today the protagonist of the positive transformations that our country has been undertaking,” said the President of the Republic.
In the message on the state of the Nation, delivered at the National Assembly, João Lourenço indicated that Angola is predominantly young, highlighting that of the approximately 35 million inhabitants, around 12.5 million are between 15 and 35 years old, and about two-thirds of the economically active population is young.
“Therefore, investing in youth is the wisest and most rational approach. That is why we spare no effort to prepare our young people, to create the conditions for them to be equal to the challenges of their time, and for them to have the conditions to realize their dreams,” he affirmed.
The Head of State, João Lourenço, declared, in the message on the State of the Nation, on October 15 in Luanda, that, in November, “we will exalt our journey,” recording the high and less good moments of our history, the lessons we learned, and the achievements we together attained throughout these first 50 years.
“On November 11, the Angolan people will celebrate 50 years of independence,” the Head of State began by saying.
“We celebrate 50 years of existence as a Sovereign State, 50 years as a free people and masters of their destiny, 50 years free from the colonial yoke, discrimination, and oppression,” he added. “We will celebrate our flag that was hoisted as a result of much sweat and blood shed, the anthem that was sung in the tuning of our voices, and the love for a homeland ingrained in our hearts,” declared the Head of State.
The President of the Republic further emphasized that he addresses the Angolan people today from the National Assembly to share a heroic five-decade journey and envision a future of prosperity to celebrate with everyone and reaffirm our determination to continue working with Angolans.
