Johannesburg Tomonkai

About the Johannesburg Tomonkai

The Johannesburg Tomonkai was inaugurated in 1981, but there already were gatherings by Waseda alumni when I was transferred here in 1977. After a while, the Waseda-Keio golf competition started following the discussion between the managers representing the two universities. The Tomonkai has been passed on from members to members who “meet and part” as if we were in a relay race, and has successfully been bequeathed to the members of today. I have stayed positive in the 40 years of my life in South Africa even in the midst of the political and social uncertainties because the Tomonkai has provided emotional support. I am grateful to my Waseda friends, whom I have interacted with thus far.
Saichiro Murase (Graduated in 1960, School of Commerce)

The attractive points of Johannesburg

According to the Internet, Johannesburg is the most dangerous city in the world and is one of the most unsafe places in the world among the areas not at war. Actually we Japanese sometimes happen to be victims of a car break-in or a robbery. However, if we try to be extremely careful about the time and place to go out, which are general precautions to take if we are living in a foreign country, we can lead a comfortable life.

The people are friendly and they greet each other with a smile when their eyes meet, even if they do not know each other. Wines and steaks are delicious, and also their cost is reasonable even if we eat and drink a lot. The weather is pleasant all year round, and we can enjoy a variety of sports including rugby, a de facto national sport, and soccer, for which we hosted the World Cup. There are more than 20 golf courses near my house. On the courses we can observe a variety of birds, and some golf courses even have peacocks loose on the premises. In Johannesburg, nature and human-made materials coexist in perfect harmony. It is a lot more than just a dangerous city.
Ken Okazaki (Graduated in 1990, School of Political Science and Economics)

Message from the Chairperson

Even in Johannesburg, South Africa, the southernmost country of the African continent, we, members of the Tomonkai, are singing “Miyako no Seihoku” as loudly as we can. We have been burning the fire of the Tomonkai here for more than 30 years although the members “change from year to year, Meet and part with youth’s delight.” Waseda alumni from in their 20s to 80s are enjoying having a drink and talking on topics like “What is Kokkyo (Older generation does not know School of International Liberal Studies)?” under the Tomonkai flag. If you are ever around this area (although it is a little far from Japan), please come and visit us. The Johannesburg Tomonkai will give you a big welcome!
Kazuyuki Takahashi (Graduated in 1982, School of Political Science and Economics)

Messages from the Members

More than 30 years have passed since I started working for a company. In Johannesburg, the second foreign city I was transferred to, I am being reminded that I am a Waseda alumnus for the first time in many years. In Johannesburg, inter-company golf competitions and softball games are popular. In such events, the members of the Johannesburg Tomonkai become friends or foes and compete with each other fiercely. However, when the members get together, we enjoy the friendly atmosphere. In the Waseda-Keio golf competition, the biggest event of the Tomonkai, we unite our efforts to win. I am truly grateful to the Johannesburg Tomonkai for such an experience.
Hiroyoshi Yoshikawa (Graduated in 1983, School of Commerce)

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela (1918–2013)
2018 is the 100th anniversary of the year Nelson Mandela was born. Nelson Mandela is a prominent figure who fought to end apartheid (racial segregation) and became the President of South Africa via the first all-race election in the country in 1994. This one is my favorite of the many inspirational words by Mr. Mandela. The words of Mr. Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, carry weight to us. I am working hard every day with these words in mind, looking forward to a victory in the Waseda-Keio game.
Takashi Yao (previous family name: Yamamoto) (Graduated in 1985, School of Law)

Waseda is famous for rugby, and rugby is popular in South Africa. Johannesburg is the home for one of the top teams in South Africa. We Japanese living in South Africa are proud of ourselves after Japan won the game against South Africa in the last World Cup; especially, former members of Waseda rugby football club, including myself, are proud of a Waseda alumnus Ayumu Goromaru, who scored 24 points in the game. The Sunwolves now play Super Rugby matches here in Johannesburg, and we can watch Waseda alumni play just in front of us.
Toshiaki Izumi (Graduated in 1998, School of Commerce)

I came across an overseas Tomonkai for the first time in Johannesburg, the destination of my third overseas assignment. I become most excited when we have the Waseda-Keio golf competition, among the many events we have here. Regrettably we lost last year, and to our disappointment, for one year until the next competition we must call the event the Keio-Waseda golf competition. I am determined to do my best in the Tomonkai so that we can call it the Waseda-Keio golf competition as soon as possible. Another dream that I have is to make the Africa chapter of Waseda University Swim Club , of which I am a member.
Kazuaki Shibuya (Graduated in 1994, School of Human Sciences)

Although four years have passed since I was transferred to South Africa, I still discover something new every day. Sports are popular, and for tennis in particular we regularly hold tournaments with local residents or inter-company tournaments among Japanese companies on weekends. About 100 people participate in the events, and they remind me of the excitement of the inter-club tennis tournament in which 12 tennis clubs of Waseda participate. Please come to South Africa, the best place for sports, and rekindle the Waseda spirit here.
Takehiro Morino (Graduated in 2003, School of Science and Engineering, Graduated in 2005, Graduate School of Science and Engineering master’s degree program)

The Johannesburg Tomonkai provides you with a great deal of comfort at the southernmost part of the African continent. Although I was not able to sing “Miyako no Seihoku,” the Tomonkai members welcomed me. I will introduce to you the “four W’s” of South Africa. We can enjoy watching “wildlife” anytime, the “weather” is good throughout the year, the “wines” here are delicious and worth trying, and the “Waseda” alumni will welcome you anytime. Of course, I have memorized “Miyako no Seihoku” already!
Kazunori Yamakita (Graduated in 2009, School of Political Science and Economics)

Covered in Waseda Gakuho, August 2018 Issue

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