Johannesburg Tomonkai

About the Johannesburg Tomonkai

The Johannesburg Tomonkai currently comprises 20 members, led by Chairperson Hiroshi Muraoka. Our characteristic activity is the Waseda-Keio golf competition, which has been held twice a year since 1981. As of September 30, 2024, 75 competitions have been conducted. With 36 wins, Waseda is losing by a narrow margin to Keio, which has won 39 times; however, the competition brings considerable excitement every time.

Johannesburg has an excellent environment for playing golf, with over 25 golf courses located within a 30-minute drive from the city center. The courses are beautiful and high-level, and play fees are low. Such a rich environment helps liven up the golf competition.

We also hold regular get-togethers and events, including welcome and farewell parties, which are crucial in deepening the ties between our members.
Hiroyuki Kubota（Graduated in 2009, School of Social Sciences）

The attractive points of Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a city in which diverse cultures and rich nature coexist. Security and electricity issues have drawn attention in recent years. However, many natural parks are located around the beautiful city center, and food is highly satisfactory with affordable meat dishes and wine, making it an enjoyable place for singles and families as long as they exercise the minimum required caution.

Johannesburg also has 200–300 Japanese expatriate households, creating a moderately sized interactive community. Many expatriates have extensive experience working in different countries worldwide, and thus, there are numerous opportunities to listen to their interesting stories. The Waseda-Keio competition is one of the topics discussed passionately here, and the enthusiasm for it knows no end.

Furthermore, Johannesburg has excellent access to other parts of Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. The city serves as an optimal tourist hub, with easily accessible natural attractions such as the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Namib Desert in Namibia, and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya,.

Thus, the Johannesburg Tomonkai conducts its activities while fully benefitting from local characteristics, including rich nature and culture and the heated Waseda-Keio competition.
Hiroyuki Kubota（Graduated in 2009, School of Social Sciences）

Message from the Chairperson

I came to Johannesburg during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, and this is my fourth successive year here. Diversity is respected in South Africa because of its history, but there are few Japanese people, and we are often greeted in Chinese. Under such circumstances, I find the ties with the Tomonkai precious and reassuring. I was deeply moved when I sang Miyako-no-Seihoku for the first time in 30 years, along with members from other age groups and with different careers, far away from Japan. Johannesburg is an excellent city with a diverse culture and considerable access to other African countries. When you visit, the Tomonkai members will passionately welcome you.
Hiroshi Muraoka（Graduated in 1992, School of Science and Engineering）

Messages from the Members

I have lived in Johannesburg previously as well, and overall, this is my eighth year here. As a businessman who visited 135 countries while working for a trading company, I think Johannesburg’s charm is its clear blue sky—the world’s most overwhelming cerulean sky. When I return from business trips to other African countries, the bright blue sky always cheers me. Under such sky, the Tomonkai members interact and grow together to expand their company’s business, with the spirit of “Her students change from year to year / Meet and part with youth’s delight / Yet all alike we seek to share / These ideals and their light.” I cannot be happier that I was assigned here for another chapter of my Theater of Life.
Shinya Ishizuka （Graduated in 1988, School of Science and Engineering）

Since coming to Johannesburg in June 2021, I have felt special ties with the Tomonkai. As we deepen our friendship as alumni, regardless of gender, age, and company far away from Japan, I feel unique connections with other members. I hope to maintain contact with them for the rest of my life, wherever we live. Despite countless problems in terms of security, electricity, and water, I am grateful that I can enjoy life here with the members of the Johannesburg Tomonkai. I became the Tomonkai’s captain in April 2023. I will work hard to overtake Keio in the golf competition as soon as possible. Please contact us if you are visiting Johannesburg.
Yuichi Ogane （Graduated in 2008, School of Education）

Since I came to Johannesburg in October 2023, I have relied on Tomonkai members on various occasions, and it has been a unique experience to become aware of being a Waseda alumnus for the first time since graduation. Although the Johannesburg Tomonkai is not large in scale compared to that in Asia and other regions, the spirit of unity and mutual assistance, particularly to a small group, is rooted among all members regardless of age and gender, as we navigate many difficulties away from Japan. If you are assigned to South Africa, we welcome you warmly; please contact us.
Seiya Tahara （Graduated in 2015, International Liberal Studies）

Covered in Waseda Gakuho, December 2024 Issue

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