Japan and South Africa are celebrating 116 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone shaped by steady political and economic cooperation. South Africa and Japan’s diplomatic relationship, formally established in 1992 on the eve of South Africa’s democratic transition, has developed into a stable and multifaceted partnership grounded in mutual economic interests, political cooperation, and a shared commitment to international development. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Fumio Shimizu, HE - Ambassador Extraordinary of Japan to South Africa.