215th Anniversary of the Independence of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
On July 9, 2026, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the reception commemorating the 215th Anniversary of the Independence of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, hosted by the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Japan.
This year’s celebration in Tokyo carried a particularly solemn significance. While commemorating one of the defining milestones in Venezuela’s national history, the event also served as a tribute to the thousands of victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, bringing together representatives of the Government of Japan, the diplomatic corps, the business community, academia, and friendship organizations in a demonstration of solidarity with the Government and people of Venezuela.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Japan, emphasized that this year’s National Day was observed in a spirit of both remembrance and resilience. Recalling Venezuela’s historic struggle for independence, Ambassador Ishikawa paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the earthquakes, expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and praised the courage, solidarity, and determination demonstrated by the Venezuelan people and institutions throughout the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Ambassador Ishikawa also expressed his profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their prompt humanitarian assistance, highlighting the deployment of the Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team, the support provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the valuable contributions of Japanese institutions, companies, non-governmental organizations, and countless private citizens who have extended assistance to the affected communities.
Representing the Government of Japan, Mr. Iwao Horii, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, conveyed Japan’s deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Government and people of Venezuela. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Venezuela’s recovery efforts, noting that Japan has never forgotten the solidarity extended by Venezuela following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. He also expressed his confidence that Venezuela would overcome the current tragedy through the resilience of its people and the support of the international community.
The ceremony included a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the earthquakes, transforming the commemoration into not only a celebration of Venezuela’s independence but also a solemn expression of friendship, compassion, and international solidarity.
On behalf of JAPOLAC, Dr. Ritter Diaz conveyed his warm congratulations to H.E. Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa and to the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the occasion of the 215th Anniversary of the nation’s independence. He also expressed his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela and reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s solidarity during this difficult time. JAPOLAC joins in honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the recent earthquakes and offers its sincere prayers for the peaceful repose of their souls. The Association further expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and all those affected, while conveying its sincere hope for Venezuela’s swift recovery and reconstruction.
