Dr. Yasuo Matsunami and Dr. Hitomi Kirikoshi left their positions as specially appointed researchers on March 31, 2020. They were appointed to our center in June 2017, and since then, they contributed to our center by building networks both in Japan and in African countries, organizing many events, and so on with Prof. Takeuchi for three years. Dr. Matsunami takes up his new post at Faculty of Sociology & Social Work, Meiji Gakuin University, and Dr. Kirikoshi at Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Kokushikan University

On April 1, 2020, we welcome Dr. Isao Murahashi and Dr. Ran Muratsu as new specially appointed researchers. We will continue and put more efforts on our current activities, as well as develp ourselves as one of the hubs of African studies institution in Japan with their new perspectives.