Kenyans in Japan Told to Embrace Unity and Cultural Identity

Geoffrey Owuor, Chairperson of the Kenyans in Japan Association (KIJA), has urged Kenyans living in Japan to strengthen unity, resilience, and cultural identity in his 2026 annual message.

Owuor outlined a vision for a community grounded in solidarity, identity, opportunity, and mutual support. His message reflects both the challenges and the changing nature of a diaspora that now numbers several thousand people across Japan.

Estimates indicate that Kenyans are increasingly present in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Nagoya. At the same time, smaller groups are settling in industrial and academic areas across Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu.

This wider distribution offers new opportunities but also introduces additional pressures. For many, KIJA provides an important source of support and connection as they adapt to life abroad.

Owuor emphasised the need for collective support to address the isolation often experienced by migrants. He said the association’s role goes beyond organising social events, serving as a platform for sharing information and helping new arrivals adjust. He stressed the importance of maintaining unity in the face of challenges associated with living in a foreign country.

He also highlighted the cultural adjustments required when settling in Japan. Many Kenyans encounter difficulties adapting to local norms, including strict punctuality, respect for hierarchy, reserved public behaviour, and indirect communication.

Owuor encouraged members to approach these differences with patience, to learn local customs, and to acquire basic Japanese language skills. At the same time, he urged them to retain their Kenyan identity.

For Kenyans in Japan, this balance is shaped by clear differences between the two societies. Owuor also pointed to the wider role of diaspora organisations in supporting migrant communities. KIJA provides social support and creates opportunities through networking, cultural exchange, and advocacy.