Culture, Community
Living abroad can be both rewarding and challenging. The journey from feeling lost in a foreign land to finding community and purpose is one that many of us share. For me, discovering the Kenyan community in Japan transformed not only how I lived but also how I viewed myself in this space between two worlds. Through KIJA, I’ve witnessed the power of connection, the resilience of our people, and the beauty of shared purpose.
When I came to Japan in September 2017, it took me a long time before I could connect with fellow Kenyans. For months, I lived and studied quietly, navigating daily life on my own — learning, adjusting, and trying to understand this new world.
It wasn’t until my tenth month in Japan, sometime in June 2018, that I first met other Kenyans. It happened at Hibiya Park in Tokyo, during the Ima no Africa event — an annual festival organized, if I recall correctly, by the Africa Diplomatic Corps in Japan.
That day changed everything.
Meeting fellow Kenyans for the first time gave me a sense of comfort I hadn’t realized I was missing. I made friendships and connections that have lasted to this day — bonds that have shaped both my personal and professional journey in Japan.
From that moment, Japan started to feel different. It began to feel like home — a place where I could live a fulfilling life, similar to what I had back in Kenya. I began attending more Kenyan events, often by invitation from people I met at Hibiya Park, and with each gathering, my connection to the Kenyan community in Japan grew stronger.
Then came COVID-19, and everything changed.
Before the pandemic, many of us took personal connections and physical meetings for granted. We assumed that our community would always be there — that if we needed to meet or celebrate together, we easily could. But when restrictions came, we found ourselves isolated.
People battled personal challenges alone, with no one to turn to. It was painful to watch friends and community members descend into loneliness, stress, and emotional distress. The experience reminded all of us of a simple but profound truth:
Even in the comfort of good jobs and steady income, human beings need connection — genuine, human connection — to thrive.
Of course, the pandemic also taught us new ways to connect. We embraced technology, virtual meetings, and online platforms for social and business interactions. But still, nothing replaces the warmth of being seen, heard, and supported by people who share your culture, language, and background.
The experience from Covid-19 strengthened my belief in the importance of community — a conviction that has only deepened since I took up leadership within the Kenyan community here in Japan.
As a leader within the Kenyans in Japan Association (KIJA), I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how small, seemingly simple gestures can have a profound impact on people’s lives.
I work with a team of incredible volunteers — men and women who take time out of their busy schedules in Japan’s demanding work culture to organize programs, events, and initiatives that bring our people together.
Our events are often modest — community gatherings, cultural celebrations, visits, and induction sessions — but their impact continually surprises even us.
Members of the Association during a Networking Picnic at Kasai Rinkai Park in Tokyo.
We regularly receive messages from members sharing how KIJA’s programs have helped them cope with challenges, find friendship, or build new networks.
Some have found business partners, others mentors. Many have shared that our activities helped them fend off stress, loneliness, and the psychological toll that often comes with living far from family.
Beyond that, KIJA has also served as a collective voice for Kenyans in Japan — a structured platform that enables us to engage effectively with government agencies, institutions, and partners.
It has made our community stronger, more visible, and more connected — both internally and externally.
Looking back, I realize that what began as a chance meeting at a park in Tokyo has grown into a lifelong lesson: connection is everything.
The Kenyan community in Japan has given me friendship, strength, and purpose. Through KIJA, I’ve learned that building community is not just about organizing events — it’s about creating belonging, fostering hope, and helping one another thrive in a foreign land.
For anyone living abroad, I can say this with confidence — find your people.
Join your community, get involved and contribute in your own small way. And, don’t walk alone. You’ll be surprised how much richer and more fulfilling your experience can become when you have a home away from home.
-The author is the current President of Kenyans in Japan Association.
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