Courtesy Visit of JAPOLAC to the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic and Participation in the Exhibition “Trascendencia”
On September 30, 2025, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. Edward Pérez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Japan.
Dr. Díaz was accompanied by members of the Board of Directors of JAPOLAC, namely Mr. Ajoy Sinha Roy, Mr. Neil Butler, and Mr. Fredy Armijos.
During the meeting, Dr. Díaz provided an overview of JAPOLAC’s objectives and activities, highlighting the Association’s role in promoting practical cooperation and exchanges between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. Particular emphasis was placed on JAPOLAC’s initiatives in the areas of cultural promotion, business facilitation, and academic exchange.
In this context, Dr. Díaz explained about the Dominican Republic cultural event organized by JAPOLAC in 2023, as well as a Dominican food tasting initiative carried out in cooperation with Kura Sushi. This initiative was designed to introduce Dominican coconut fish cuisine to Japanese audiences at Kura Sushi Pavilion in Expo Osaka 2025.
Dr. Díaz also reiterated his support for Ambassador Pérez’ diplomatic mission, underscoring that JAPOLAC serves as an additional platform to support the Embassy’s initiatives and to provide valuable insights on political, economic, social, and international developments in Japan.
Ambassador Pérez welcomed the visit and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about JAPOLAC and its efforts to strengthen ties between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic.
On the same day, Dr. Díaz participated in the exhibition “Trascendencia”, held at the Instituto Cervantes in Tokyo, by invitation of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic. The exhibition featured wooden sculptures by Dominican artist Juan Trinidad and explores the concept of transcendence through wood as a medium, connecting nature, memory, identity, and cultural continuity.
Dr. Díaz expressed his sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the Dominican Republic for the invitation and congratulated the organizers for an exhibition that contributed meaningfully to cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the Dominican Republic and Japan.
