The name of the group comes from Swahili and it stands for "friendship and art".  Promoting international friendship and understanding through art is the main purpose of the group.  Marafiki is composed of artists from various countries who have close ties to Japan.

Marafiki has the following major objectives:

Promoting cultural exchange between foreign artists and the Japanese community.  

Furthering the dialogue between Japanese and foreign artists.  

Providing mutual cooperation and assistance among foreign artists in Japan.  

Organizing exhibitions and other art events that further international friendship and understanding.