The Embassy of Japan in Botswana will officially launch the Japan Film Festival 2026 in Gaborone on 9 October, with Ambassador Shindo Yusuke set to officiate at the opening ceremony at New Capitol Cinemas in Masa Square.
The opening event, scheduled for 1800hrs with registration beginning at 1745hrs, will mark the start of a three-day celebration of Japanese cinema aimed at strengthening cultural exchange between Japan and Botswana.
Festival organisers said screenings will also be held at the University of Botswana, the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and Northside Primary School, while the main public programme will run at New Capitol Cinemas on 10 and 11 October.
The opening-night feature will be the acclaimed Japanese comedy Hit Me, Anyone One More Time (記憶にございません！), directed by Koki Mitani.
The 127-minute film follows an unpopular and corrupt prime minister who loses his memory after being struck by a stone thrown by a citizen. As his aides attempt to conceal his condition, the amnesiac leader unexpectedly begins transforming Japanese politics with a fresh perspective.
The film has been described as a humorous and heart-warming political comedy designed to appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Organisers said all public screenings during the festival will be free of charge, giving local audiences an opportunity to experience contemporary Japanese cinema and culture.
The annual festival forms part of Japan’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts and seeks to promote mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Background: Japan-Botswana Relations
Japan and Botswana have enjoyed steadily expanding relations since Botswana gained independence in 1966. According to the Embassy of Japan, cooperation between the two countries has grown through development assistance, education, cultural exchanges and economic collaboration. Botswana established its diplomatic mission in Tokyo in 1997, while Japan opened its embassy in Gaborone in January 2008.
The two nations maintain relations based on shared values including democracy, human rights and the rule of law, with cooperation spanning political engagement, sustainable development, trade, education and cultural activities.
Japan has been a long-standing development partner through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), supporting projects in infrastructure, human resource development, education, health and economic diversification.
In 2026, Botswana and Japan are also marking 60 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone that has been commemorated through various cultural, educational and diplomatic activities organised by the two governments and their respective embassies.
The Japan Film Festival is among the initiatives aimed at deepening cultural ties and fostering greater understanding between the peoples of Botswana and Japan.
