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— THE CHARTER

The People-to-People TICAD event.

TICAD Games are sports, cultural, scientific, and technological games and events. They include heritage and signature games such as kendō, ikebana, and scientific events — alongside Summit and interim editions.

LINEAGE

TICAD Summit Games celebrate and reinforce the TICAD Community spirit, following the practice of many summits — the Commonwealth Games (1930), the Francophone Games (1987), and the BRICS Games (2016). They mainstream youth and grassroots populations into the TICAD process, and complement educational initiatives such as the ABE Initiative, GHRD, G-STREAMS, GPS Learning, and G-PISTE.

01 / BUDŌ

Kendō

The way of the sword. The meeting of nations on common ground.

Budō is the heartbeat of TICAD Games, with Kendō — the way of the sword — at its centre. More than a martial art, Kendō is a philosophical practice that shapes character through respect, discipline, and perseverance. Around the dojo, delegations from across the African continent, Japan, and TICAD Partner countries converge for an exciting program of competitions and people-to-people exchange — a tangible expression of TICAD's mission to foster partnerships, mainstream youth, and build community across nations through shared effort and chivalrous conduct.

  • Kendō
  • Delegations
  • People-to-People exchange
01
02 / CULTURE

Ikebana · Origami · Taiko

The delicate and resonant arts of harmony, balance, and rhythm.

The Culture dimension of TICAD Games gathers three quintessential Japanese arts. Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement, is a meditative practice of harmony, balance, and simplicity — each composition capturing the beauty of nature and the changing seasons through the careful placement of stems. Origami, the art of paper folding, transforms a single sheet into intricate forms, embodying precision, creativity, and patience. Taiko, the thunder of Japanese drums, brings the festival to life — a powerful, communal rhythm that has accompanied ceremonies, harvests, and celebrations for centuries, connecting performers and audience in a single heartbeat.

  • Ikebana
  • Origami
  • Taiko
  • Cultural performances
02
03 / INNOVATION

Sustainability and Technology

Cutting-edge advancements at the intersection of sustainability and technology.

The Innovation dimension brings the spotlight on cutting-edge advancements with a focus on AFJASST des Eaux. This initiative represents Japan's commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation. Through AFJASST, advanced water management solutions are being developed to address global challenges such as water scarcity and pollution. This dimension highlights Japan's ability to blend tradition with innovation, using its expertise to contribute positively to global issues while respecting and preserving natural resources.

  • AFJASST des Eaux
  • Innovation Symposium
  • G-STREAMS
  • G-PISTE
03

— FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

What is TICAD Games?

TICAD Games are the official People-to-People event of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). They convene athletes, students, and cultural delegations from Africa, Japan, and TICAD Partner countries around three pillars: Budō, Culture, and Innovation.

When and where is the next TICAD Games?

The second official edition is TICAD Games Miyazaki 2026, marking the 70th anniversary of Tunisia–Japan diplomatic relations. Programme dates will be confirmed alongside the TICAD calendar.

Who organises TICAD Games?

TICAD Games are organised by an international committee of founders and partners, including the Tunisian Kendo League, AATUJA (Association d’amitié Tunisie–Japon), Nippon Budo, Mentors Institute, TAKOLOR International, and the Fondation Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed.

What disciplines are featured at TICAD Games?

The signature discipline is Kendō. Editions also include cultural arts (Ikebana, Origami, Taiko), the Bushidō symposium, AFJASST des Eaux, and people-to-people delegation exchanges.

How can my federation or organisation participate?

Federations, partners, sponsors, and prospective delegations can reach the Organising Committee via the contact page. We work with each delegation on logistics, accreditation, and programme integration.

Where was the first official edition held?

The first official edition — TICAD Games Yokohama 2025 — was hosted at Yokohama Budokan in August 2025, alongside TICAD 9. It featured the inaugural international Kendō tournament, a Bushidō symposium, and Taiko performances.