On 24 August, a welcome reception for the Fourth Tokyo International Law Seminar drew legal scholars, practitioners and diplomats from across Asia and Africa as organisers framed the meeting as a platform to strengthen collaboration on international law.
Participants and purpose
The reception, convened by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by a broad cross-section of the international legal community. Among those present were H.E. Dr Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of the Asian‑African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO); Mr Shimizu Satoshi, Vice President of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations; and Mr Tsutsumi Yoshiyuki, Deputy Director‑General in the Ministry of Justice's Ministerial Secretariat.
A wide range of participants from Asia and Africa took part, including lecturers, academic researchers in international law, representatives of law firms and ambassadors accredited to Tokyo.
South African connection
The reception included a recorded message from Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, underscoring South Africa's intellectual presence in multiregional legal discussions. The choice of speakers and attendees reflected a deliberate emphasis on building ties between legal communities in the two regions.
"The Seminar has established itself as an important platform where practitioners and researchers of international law from Asia and Africa meet to learn and engage with one another," State Minister KUNIMITSU Ayano said, adding that professionals must work together to defend the international order founded on the rule of law.
Organisers, supporters and sponsors
The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and co‑organised by the Japanese Society of International Law, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and the Ministry of Justice. It received support from the United Nations University and AALCO, and was sponsored by a consortium of law firms and legal enterprises.
| Role | Organisations and supporters |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Co‑organisers | Japanese Society of International Law; Japan Federation of Bar Associations; Ministry of Justice |
| Supporters | United Nations University; Asian‑African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) |
| Sponsors | Anderson Mori & Tomotsune; Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu; Nishimura & Asahi (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo); TMI Associates; Yodoyabashi & Yamagami LPC; Baker & McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise); Mori Hamada & Matsumoto; CITY‑YUWA PARTNERS; Kitahama Partners; KOGA & Partners |
The seminar is presented as a venue where legal experts from government, academia and private practice can address the mounting challenges facing the international order. Japanese State Minister KUNIMITSU Ayano emphasised the need for cooperation across these sectors to uphold legal norms and institutions.
Why it matters for South Africa
- Academic engagement: The participation of a South African academic in a prominent role signals ongoing intellectual exchanges between South African institutions and international legal bodies.
- Rule of law debates: The seminar provides a forum for African and Asian practitioners to compare approaches to international legal challenges that may affect cross‑regional cooperation on trade, investment and dispute settlement.
- Networks and influence: Attendance by bar associations, justice ministry officials and law firms fosters practical networks that can inform litigation strategy, treaty negotiation and capacity building in Africa.
Delegates at the seminar are expected to use the platform to both learn from comparative experiences and to reinforce commitments to a rules‑based international order, an objective that has direct implications for states seeking predictable legal frameworks for international engagement.
Further sessions of the seminar will bring together practitioners and scholars to address specific legal topics; details on the seminar programme and outcomes will be released by the organisers.
