Africa Month in Kobe 2025 Africa Book Salon

Africa Month in Kobe 2025 Opening Event

On the first day of “Africa Month in Kobe 2025,” which allows visitors to experience various aspects of African culture including art, food, music, and fashion, an opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 13, followed by an African picture book exhibition and storytelling event at Kodomo Hon no Mori Kobe.

Attraction of the storytelling event

A griot, a traditional West African storyteller, will weave a story together with a performance on the kora, a folk instrument with more than 20 strings. The graceful sound of the instrument deepens the world of the picture book, and delivers a memorable time for children and adults alike to think about the land of Africa.

Event Outline

• Date & Time: Wednesday, August 13, 13:30-17:00
• Place: Children’s Book Forest Kobe (6-1-1 Kano-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
• Contents:
  • Opening Ceremony
  • Africa Book Salon (picture book exhibition and storytelling)
• Admission: Free (free admission)
  • Admission: Free (free admission) *Admission is possible at any time between 13:30-17:00.
  • *If the number of visitors exceeds 120, admission will be limited.

Program

• 13:30-14:00 Opening Ceremony (Greetings and ribbon cutting)
• 14:00-14:30 West African traditional oral tradition “Griot
  • Kora performance: Kinebuchi Chihiro
  • Storytelling: Ombada Kaori
• 15:00-15:30 West African traditional oral tradition “Griot
  • Kora performance by Chihiro Kinebuchi
  • Storytelling: Ombada Kaori

Event Information

• Period: Wednesday, August 13
• Venue: Children’s Book Forest, Kobe
• Organizer: Kobe City
• Official website: https://afrikameetskansai.org/

Notes

In the event of inclement weather, the event may be changed or cancelled. Please check the official website for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I participate even if I live outside the city?

A1: Anyone can participate.

Q2: Is there a fee to participate?

A2. Yes, it is free of charge.