His Excellency Mr. Gabriel Boric Font, President of the Republic of Chile, paid an official visit to Japan from May 11 to 12, 2025. This marked his first visit to Japan since taking office in March 2022 and served to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between Chile and Japan.

Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

On May 11, President Boric held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Tokyo. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, especially as the two nations approach the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

Discussions emphasized deepening cooperation in the mining sector, with Chile being Japan’s largest supplier of copper and lithium. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed interest in leveraging Japan’s advanced technologies to enhance this partnership. Additionally, both leaders highlighted the importance of free trade amid global economic challenges, including the impact of U.S. tariff measures. They acknowledged the need for resilient supply chains and mutual support to navigate the shifting global economic landscape.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Human Development

Recognizing the shared vulnerability to natural disasters, President Boric acknowledged Japan’s support for Chile’s initiatives in disaster prevention, notably the “KIZUNA Project” aimed at developing human resources in Latin America. Prime Minister Ishiba discussed Japan’s efforts in enhancing disaster evacuation shelters and expressed intent to promote further bilateral cooperation in this area.

Space and Scientific Cooperation

The leaders discussed expanding collaboration in space and astronomy, referencing the recent completion of the University of Tokyo’s Atacama Observatory telescope site in Chile. This partnership underscores the mutual interest in scientific advancement and exploration.

Participation in Expo 2025 Osaka

On May 12, President Boric attended Chile’s National Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where the country’s rich cultural heritage and innovation potential were prominently showcased. As part of its ongoing efforts to promote Latin American and Caribbean cuisine in Japan, JAPOLAC organized a special tasting of Chilean erizo (sea urchin) last year at the Embassy of Chile, in collaboration with Kura Sushi. This Chilean delicacy is now featured at the Kura Sushi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, alongside other representative dishes from the Latin America and Caribbean region.

As part of its mission, JAPOLAC continues to support the work of the Embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean in Japan to raise awareness of the LAC region and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), held a working meeting with H.E. Manuel Roldán, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to Japan, to coordinate the upcoming lecture on Guatemala to be delivered by the Ambassador at Chiba University at the end of this month.

The lecture forms part of the Diplomatic Lecture Series launched by JAPOLAC in 2025. This unique initiative invites Ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries accredited in Japan to deliver lectures in English at Japanese university students. Each lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the country, covering its history, geography, culture, economy, society, and current international relations with Japan.

By directly engaging with university students in an academic setting, the program aims to deepen understanding of the LAC region, promote intercultural dialogue, and encourage future academic and professional exchange between Japan and Latin America. All lectures are conducted in English to give students the opportunity to improve their international communication skills while learning about global issues from high-level diplomatic representatives.

During the meeting, Ambassador Roldán and Dr. Díaz discussed the themes and structure of the lecture, as well as the importance of bringing Guatemala’s perspective to Japanese youth. Ambassador Roldán expressed his appreciation for JAPOLAC’s efforts to build bridges of knowledge and friendship through diplomacy and education.

JAPOLAC reaffirms its commitment to supporting the work of Latin American and Caribbean embassies accredited in Japan and remains dedicated to advancing initiatives that enhance cultural, educational, and academic ties between the LAC region and Japan.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), had the honor of attending the  cultural event “El Salvador Exhibition: Celebrating our National Tree and Natural Wonders”, held at the Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome in Koto Ward, Tokyo. The exhibition took place from April 22 to May 11, 2025, in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between El Salvador and Japan.

Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of El Salvador in Japan, the exhibition showcased the maquilishuat, El Salvador’s national tree, admired for its delicate pink and white blossoms that naturally echo Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. The Yumenoshima Botanical Garden is home to the only maquilishuat specimen in Japan, symbolizing a unique botanical connection between both nations.

In addition to the symbolic significance of the maquilishuat, the exhibition offered a vibrant portrayal of El Salvador’s rich biodiversity, featuring more than 500 species of birds, over 100 varieties of trees, and the country’s distinctive volcanoes and coastal landscapes.

Dr. Diaz extended his warm congratulations to the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Diego Dalton, for the beautifully curated exhibition, which not only celebrated the natural beauty of El Salvador but also reaffirmed the enduring friendship and cultural bonds between El Salvador and Japan. The exhibition serves as a remarkable example of how cultural diplomacy can strengthen mutual understanding and deepen the ties between nations.

Mr. Ajoy Sinha Roy, Senior Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), participated in the lecture titled “Return to Balance and Living Well”, delivered on April 24, 2025 by the Honorable David Choquehuanca Céspedes, Vice President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo.

Mr. Roy attended the event in official representation of JAPOLAC, upon the kind invitation of the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia in Japan. This distinguished lecture formed part of the official program of Vice President Choquehuanca’s visit to Japan, which included meetings with senior Japanese authorities and participation in a range of diplomatic and academic activities.

In his address, the Bolivian Vice President shared a profound reflection on the ancestral philosophy of Living Well, highlighting five key principles for restoring harmony between peoples and Mother Earth: respect for the laws of nature, revaluation of indigenous knowledge, promotion of complementarity, the pursuit of ecological balance, and the construction of a geopolitics centered on collective well-being.

As part of its collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean embassies, JAPOLAC coordinated a tasting event last year featuring the traditional Bolivian dish Picante de Pollo, held at the Embassy of Bolivia in Tokyo in partnership with Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s leading sushi restaurant chains. This dish is currently featured at the Kura Sushi Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, alongside other representative specialties from Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.

One of JAPOLAC’s core missions is to actively support the work of Latin American and Caribbean embassies accredited in Japan, fostering greater awareness, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange between the region and the Japanese public.

Mr. Fredy Armijos, Business Development Advisor of JAPOLAC, participated in the seminar titled “Innovation and Opportunities in the Semiconductor Sector in Costa Rica”, held on April 24, 2025, at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Office in central Tokyo.

Organized by the Embassy of Costa Rica in Japan in collaboration with the IDB Office in Asia, the seminar brought together officials, experts, and business leaders to explore Costa Rica’s positioning in the global semiconductor supply chain. The event opened with remarks by Mr. Taro Seriu, Country Representative of the IDB Office in Asia, followed by a keynote address by Mr. Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, who emphasized the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry to Costa Rica’s economy.

A presentation on the current state of the sector was delivered by the representative from the Trade and Investment Promotion Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica, highlighting Costa Rica’s infrastructure, human capital, and experience in high-tech manufacturing.

A roundtable discussion addressed the key challenges and emerging opportunities within the semiconductor industry, fostering dialogue among public and private sector participants. The session was followed by closing remarks from Mr. Arnoldo André, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, who underscored the strategic importance of international collaboration. The seminar concluded with a networking session, offering a valuable platform for engagement among stakeholders from industry, government, and the diplomatic community.

It is worth highlighting that Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, traveled to San José last year to attend the official launch of Costa Rica’s Semiconductor Industry Roadmap, at the invitation of Minister Manuel Tovar. This milestone event underscored Costa Rica’s strategic vision to position itself as a premier destination for investment in advanced technology and sustainable industry.

JAPOLAC commends Costa Rica’s strong commitment to the development of high-value industries and reaffirms its support in promoting the country’s efforts to advance innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships with Japanese semiconductor companies.