This audio is generated by AI, so pronunciation and expressions may not be fully accurate. The narration is only in English.
Ambassador Mulimbika arrived in Tokyo in 2023, bringing decades of experience as a senior civil servant in Zambia, where he previously led the National School of Government and worked extensively in public service reform, trade, and investment. Settling into life in Japan required some adjustment, but also provided unexpected comforts.
"Of course, you have to adapt to the culture," he says. "There is so much order, and you need to get used to different food. But I enjoy sushi very much—it was one of the first things I sought out when I came here."
He was also delighted to discover that some familiar staples from home could be found in Tokyo, from sweet potatoes and peanuts to cassava and potato leaves. "It felt a little more like home," he notes. Although nshima—a Zambian cornmeal-based dish—is harder to come by, the ambassador says that rice and potatoes provide a comforting substitute.
Life in Tokyo, he adds, has been both peaceful and dynamic. "If you stay at home, you might think nothing is happening. But if you go out to Shibuya or Ginza, you see so much diversity and activity. Tokyo is an impressive city."
Ambassador Mulimbika is quick to emphasize his country's unique assets. "Zambia is at the center of southern Africa. We have the most attractive natural resources and incredible tourism, from wildlife—the elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos—to the Victoria Falls, one of the world's natural heritage sites. It is a place where you feel at home. We used to call it 'Zambia under the sun.'"
The country is bordered by eight nations—Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, and Namibia—making it a regional hub for trade. "South Africa is just a two-hour flight away," he adds. "It is easy to connect with the wider region from Zambia."
Food, too, is an essential part of Zambia's identity. The ambassador mentions the strength of Zambia's beef industry, particularly the long-established Zambeef company, and laughs when describing the country's signature T-bone steaks. "Once you taste them, you'll never forget them. They are big—much bigger than what you usually see here." He adds that pairing Zambian beef with local beer makes for a memorable experience.
The year 2024 marked 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zambia and Japan. The relationship is deeply symbolic for Zambia: the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games coincided with the nation's independence, and the Zambian flag was raised for the first time at an Olympic Games during the closing ceremony.
"From that time, we have not walked backwards," Ambassador Mulimbika reflects. "We have had collaboration in health, education, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. It is a relationship that is truly symbiotic."
That long-standing connection remains visible today. Speaking at Yokohama City University in 2024, the ambassador shared Zambia's history with Japanese students. He emphasized the strength of the country's democratic traditions and unity across its 73 ethnic groups, guided by the motto "One Zambia, One Nation."
"Many students asked how it is possible to have so much diversity and yet change governments peacefully," he recalls. "The answer is that our forefathers built a strong foundation of unity. We look at each other as human beings first."
Since arriving in Tokyo, Ambassador Mulimbika and his team have prioritized deepening cooperation in practical areas. The embassy has organized investment missions in the mining sector, facilitated by partnerships with Japanese companies and organizations such as Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security. This has already led to new agreements and the exploration of critical mineral supply chains.
Beyond mining, cooperation has expanded into health, agriculture, and education. Japanese portable X-ray machines and diagnostic technology are being introduced into Zambian hospitals, while agricultural projects focus on rice production and livestock development. Cultural and educational ties are also being strengthened through exchanges with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Japanese universities.
One recent initiative is the introduction of atmospheric water capture technology by a Japanese company, now being tested in Zambia. "We want to focus on projects that bring jobs and improve the well-being of people," the ambassador says. "As much as we want to provide resources, we also want Japanese companies to invest in Zambia and create value locally."
Looking ahead, he highlights infrastructure and value addition as priorities. "We don't want to simply export raw materials. We want to build industries in Zambia that keep jobs in the country. Poverty alleviation and human development must be at the center of our cooperation."
For many Zambians, Tokyo holds a special place in national memory as the site of their first Olympic appearance as an independent nation. Today, it represents technological advancement and modern urban life.
"When Zambians come to Tokyo, they expect to see a smart city," the ambassador explains. "It is clean, efficient, and safe. They want to experience this high-tech environment for themselves."On a personal level, Ambassador Mulimbika appreciates both the landmarks and the small daily routines that Tokyo offers. He was impressed by Tokyo Skytree—his preferred view over Tokyo Tower—and recalls his first experience of an earthquake at Haneda Airport, marveling at how the building flexed safely.
Public transport is another highlight. "On weekends, I don't use my car—I use the train. It is efficient, and I arrive on time, even for church. Driving, you can lose time in traffic or parking. But with the train, everything is straightforward."
He enjoys people-watching at Shibuya Crossing, near the bronze statue of the faithful dog Hachiko. "It refreshes your mind. You see so many people, all in their own worlds, moving in different directions. It makes you reflect on life."
Despite the busy schedule of diplomacy, the ambassador still finds time for gardening at the official residence. "I call myself a villager," he says with a smile. "I grew up in a farming area, so I have always loved gardening and raising animals. In Tokyo, I planted spinach and kale, and now I want to see how sweet potatoes grow in winter."
The effort is more than a hobby—it is also a way of staying close to Zambian traditions of farming and self-sufficiency. The ambassador's wife also cooks Zambian meals at home, providing a taste of Lusaka in Tokyo.
He hopes that one day Tokyo residents will be able to experience Zambian cuisine directly through a dedicated restaurant. "Food is a vital part of cultural exchange," he says. "If we could open a Zambian restaurant in Tokyo, people could enjoy our dishes, from sweet potato leaves to Zambian beef."
Reflecting on his time in Tokyo, Ambassador Mulimbika emphasizes both cultural similarities and opportunities for cooperation. "In Japan, I see the respect for boundaries and individual rights. In Zambia, people are also warm, friendly, and welcoming. In both countries, there is a desire to live peacefully and harmoniously."
Looking forward, he sees vast potential in combining Zambia's natural resources with Japan's advanced technology, particularly in the fields of green energy, agriculture, and climate resilience. "It is a symbiotic relationship," he concludes. "Together, we can build industries, create jobs, and develop solutions for the future."
