Sovereignty- Lessons from Japan on Freedom and Identity

“We prefer poverty in liberty than riches in slavery,” defiantly proclaimed Ahmed Sekou Toure in 1958. This extreme yet gripping statement resonates with me when I think about sovereignty, whether on an individual or state level. It boldly asserts, “Leave me in my misery as long as I can make my own decisions.” While prosperity is the ultimate goal, not poverty, I often wonder why many African leaders feel the need to explain our sovereignty rather than proclaim it with confidence. My perspective has shifted as a result of living in Japan, where I have realized there are still areas we can improve to achieve true sovereignty.

Have you ever entered a shop for a quick purchase, only to find yourself waiting 30 minutes because the attendant is searching for change? This has never happened to me in Japan, not even at a vending machine. Several cultural factors contribute to this efficiency. First, cash transactions occur in front of people, creating a tangible sense of spending that discourages waste. This practice has made it challenging for many to transition to cashless payments, hence pushing for the availability of “change” everywhere. Second, Japan's low crime rate reduces the risks of theft and fraud, fostering confidence in cash transactions. Advanced technology for producing banknotes and coins also plays a role in minimizing fraud, while ensuring a steady flow of money.

Language serves not only as a means of communication but also reflects a people's values, culture, history, and aspirations. Japanese (nihongo) embodies these aspects. Japan has produced groundbreaking technologies developed in its native language. My husband once believed that complex subjects like Math and Science could only be taught in a Western language until he came to Japan. As a fluent speaker of Runyakitara (a Ugandan language) and English, I find it challenging to express scientific ideas in Runyakitara, as the language has not fully evolved for such concepts. This experience deepened my respect for a culture that has successfully navigated this challenge.

In Japan, most items in shops and supermarkets are domestically produced (nihonsei). However, due to a declining population, about a third of fresh produce is imported. Having lived in both Kanto (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka), I noticed that many products come from neighboring areas. For instance, rice brands in Osaka often originate from Shiga Prefecture, while those in Tokyo come from Chiba and Ibaraki Prefectures. Seasonal items, like Okinawa seaweed or Kochi yuzu, also reflect local pride.

Japan has cultivated a strong local market, with citizens preferring domestically made goods. Recently, there has been a rice shortage, forcing prices to double. The government has tried to solve this problem by importing from other countries. However, I am always surprised to find that the Japanese are still massively buying their homegrown rice brands and leaving the imported rice, which is significantly cheaper. Personally, I have no such attachment so I always go with the most pocket-friendly options. Beyond tangible products, there is a vibrant consumer market for Japanese art, music, literature, and pop culture. Statistics show that about 58% of people aged 20 to 49 read manga regularly. This instilled confidence and pride in the population speaks volumes about a country’s commitment to serving its people.

Japanese students study traditional subjects like math and science, but they also learn their language, literature, history, and “moral education” (doutoku). Rooted in Confucian principles and Shinto practices, moral education is taught interactively, aiming to cultivate responsible, respectful citizens who uphold values like cooperation and diligence. In contrast, I studied Christian Religious Education and Islam, which often discouraged traditional values. True sovereignty means nations should be free from external influences and remain true to their roots. As Leopold Sedar Senghor said, “Let us remain true to ourselves, to Africa, for Africa must enrich the world with its own soul and values.”

In our increasingly globalized world, sovereignty has evolved from “supreme control” to “collective value creation.” This means nations should welcome others into their “space” not out of fear or need, but with confidence in their own value and what others can contribute. What bold steps should Africans take to achieve full sovereignty? Share your thoughts in the comments or pass this article along to a friend or two.

Credit: Cover picture generated by Deep AI