About AATUJA
Building a bridge of friendship, together
Founded in December 2012, the Tunisia-Japan Friendship Association (AATUJA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening the bonds of friendship and the cultural, educational and economic exchange between Tunisia and Japan.
Our mission
Mutual understanding in the service of friendship
Our mission is to promote cross-cultural awareness by organising events, seminars, workshops and exchanges that showcase the rich heritage, traditions and modern aspects of both Tunisia and Japan.
The association is a platform for individuals, students, professionals and enthusiasts from both countries: a place to meet, to share experiences and to create lasting connections.
Over the years, AATUJA has become a genuinely binational meeting space, welcoming both Tunisians who love Japan and Japanese nationals living in Tunisia.
Together, let us embrace diversity, build friendships, and promote a spirit of harmony and collaboration between Tunisia and Japan.
What we do
Four ways we bring our peoples closer
Culture & arts
Taiko, ikebana, calligraphy, kimono, origami, cinema: we bring Japanese culture to life in Tunisia, and Tunisian culture to Japan.
Diplomacy & friendship
Alongside the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of Tunisia in Japan, JICA and our sister association, we nurture a relationship of trust between the two countries.
Sport
From Kendo to the TICAD Games, sport brings the youth of Tunisia, Japan and Africa together around shared values.
Science & education
A language school, medical and academic exchanges, thermal tourism and agricultural projects: concrete bridges between our societies.
Our journey
From 2012 to the 70th anniversary
- Before 2012
The early years
Before its official founding, the association operated without any real legal structure — an informal civil society that organised gatherings, events, trips to Japan and homestays in Tunisia and Japan.
- 2012
The association is born
AATUJA is founded in December 2012 by friends of Tunisia and Japan determined to bring the two countries closer.
- 2022
TICAD Games in Tunis
The TICAD Games are held in Tunis, celebrating sport and cooperation between Japan and Africa.
- Jul. 2023
A new team
The elective General Assembly appoints a new executive board led by President Salah Hannachi.
- 2024
A pivotal year
Clean Cities, an iftar at Dar El Lamma, the 20th anniversary of the Seto-Nabeul twinning, a Japanese summer school, Origami, and the Mori / TICAD camp at El Menzah.
- Feb. 2025
Culture in the spotlight
The Japanese Culture Festival at the Cité de la Culture and a visit from the Japan-Tunisia Friendship Association (Ikebana, Kimono, music).
- May 2025
Africa-Asia cardiovascular surgery
The Africa-Asia cardiovascular surgery congress with Japanese surgeons.
- Jul. 2025
Order of the Rising Sun
Three members of the Tunisian-Japanese community are decorated; a Tsukimi ceremony is held at Beni Mtir with the Ambassador of Japan.
- Aug. 2025
Osaka & Yokohama
"TAIKO meets Tabbel" and a Kendo delegation at the Tunisian Pavilion of the Osaka Expo, then the TICAD Games in Yokohama.
- 2026
70 years of friendship
AATUJA joins the Embassy to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Tunisia–Japan diplomatic relations.
In pictures
Life at the association
By the numbers
A committed community
A dedicated volunteer board
AATUJA is run by a volunteer executive board that, meeting after meeting, keeps the friendship between our two countries alive.
Meet the members & board →
Would you like to join us?
Become a member and take part in our cultural, sporting and social activities.
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