H.E. Mr. Daniel Noboa Azín, President of the Republic of Ecuador, paid an official visit to Japan from August 26, 2025. The visit reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between Ecuador and Japan, building upon more than 100 years of diplomatic relations.

Fraternal Encounter between Ecuador and Japan

As part of his official agenda, President Noboa presided over the “Fraternal Encounter between Ecuador and Japan” (Encuentro Fraterno entre el Ecuador y Japón), with the participation of Ecuadorian citizens residing in Japan, as well as distinguished Japanese citizens involved in activities to promote cooperation between both countries.

During the event, President Noboa presented special recognition to Ecuadorian and Japanese citizens who have contributed to the promotion of Ecuador in Japan, including Mr. Fredy Armijos, President of the Association of Ecuadorians in Japan and Director of JAPOLAC.

Trade Promotion and Investment Seminar

President Noboa also hosted the “Ecuador Investment and Trade Promotion Seminar”, with Mr. Yoji Muto, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), serving as the guest of honor. The seminar was attended by representatives of companies, economic institutions, and members of the diplomatic corps.

President Noboa expressed his firm commitment to further invigorating and expanding bilateral economic exchanges, and he invited Japanese companies to take full advantage of the new business and investment opportunities that Ecuador offers.

Japan–Ecuador Summit Meeting

As a central component of the visit, President Noboa held a bilateral summit meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan. Both leaders discussed cooperation in areas such as security measures, disaster prevention, renewable energy, trade facilitation, and technology. A Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen trade and investment was signed by the respective promotion agencies of the two countries. The outcomes of the visit represent a positive step toward deepening Ecuador–Japan relations based on mutual benefit, shared values, and economic complementarity.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Director Representative of JAPOLAC, participated in both the Fraternal Encounter and the Ecuador Investment and Trade Promotion Seminar, underscoring JAPOLAC’s ongoing engagement with Latin American and Caribbean embassies to increase the visibility of the region in Japan.

In August, the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Japan, in collaboration with the Min-On Concert Association, hosted the “Friendship Concert” to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and Japan. The event took place at the Min-On Culture Center in Tokyo.

The concert featured world-class performances by Costa Rican classical guitarist Alejandro Gómez Ovares and Japanese flutist Manami Hino, who presented a captivating programme showcasing the cultural harmony and enduring friendship between the two nations.

Approximately 190 distinguished guests attended the event, including H.E. Ms. Sussi Jiménez Núñez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Japan; Mr. Koji Yamaguchi, President of Min-On; and members of the diplomatic corps. In her remarks, Ambassador Jiménez highlighted the vital role of music and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties and mutual understanding between Costa Rica and Japan.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the concert and extended his congratulations to Ambassador Jiménez on the celebration of the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He also reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s continued commitment to supporting the activities of the Embassy of Costa Rica in Japan.

By invitation of the Embassy of Ecuador, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the inauguration ceremony of the art exhibition “Andean Culture – Mountains of Flowers and Forests” by Ecuadorian artist Luis Millingalli.

The exhibition, organized by the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan in collaboration with SEKIDO and the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library, presented pictorial works that reflect the natural and cultural richness of the Ecuadorian Andes: flowers, forests, mountains, rural traditions, and the life of the páramo. Through vibrant colors and emblematic landscapes, Millingalli invites visitors to reflect on respect for nature, environmental preservation, and the cultural legacy of the Andes.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Fredy Armijos, Director of JAPOLAC and President of the Ecuadorian Association in Japan (SEKIDO), praised Millingalli’s work and emphasized that this exhibition serves as a cultural bridge between Ecuador and Japan.

Dr. Díaz expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of Ecuador for the kind invitation and highlighted the importance of promoting art as a means of mutual understanding and as a way to strengthen cultural ties that complement institutional and economic cooperation between Ecuador and Japan.

JAPOLAC reaffirms its commitment to disseminating cultural activities that bring Japan closer to Latin America, contributing to the promotion of Latin American and Caribbean cultural expressions and diversity.

At the invitation of the Embassy of Cuba, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the National Day of the Republic of Cuba at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Dr. Díaz attended the National Day ceremony held on July 25, 2025, at the Expo’s National Day Hall, “Ray Garden.”The ceremony was presided over by Cuba’s Vice Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz, together with Mr. Kato Akiyoshi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), who delivered the Government of Japan’s address.

The Cuba Pavilion is organized by the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, with Ambassador Gisela García serving as Commissioner General. Cuba participates under the Expo sub-theme “Saving Lives,” highlighting contributions in health, science and innovation, culture, and solidarity, while promoting business and investment opportunities with Japan and the wider Asia–Pacific. On the eve of National Day, the Cuban side hosted an interactive business panel to present investment and collaboration opportunities.

Expo 2025 Osaka’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” a call for countries, companies, and citizens to co-create practical solutions that improve everyday living. Framed by three sub-themes—Saving Lives (health, safety, resilience), Empowering Lives (opportunity, inclusion, prosperity), and Connecting Lives (culture, community, mobility)—the Expo functions as a “People’s Living Lab,” turning pavilions and programs into testbeds for ideas on healthcare and aging, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, with the aim of scaling successful models beyond the site.

Last year, JAPOLAC successfully coordinated a series of food tastings at various Latin American and Caribbean embassies in collaboration with Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s most renowned sushi restaurant chains. Thanks to this initiative, Kura Sushi is serving vibrant and diverse flavors of LAC cuisine at its pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, including Cuba’s popular dish “Ropa Vieja” (shredded beef).

Dr. Díaz expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Gisela García for the kind invitation and reiterated JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the promotion of Cuban culture in Japan.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the “Japan–Peru Investment Day” seminar and the official reception organized on the occasion of the visit to Japan of H.E. Dina Boluarte, President of the Republic of Peru.

The seminar was organized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) and the Peruvian Trade and Tourism Promotion Board (Promperú), in collaboration with JETRO. The event highlighted Peru’s stable macroeconomic environment, investment opportunities in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy, as well as the Peruvian Government’s commitment to fostering a transparent and secure business climate for Japanese investors.

In the context of the visit, President Dina Boluarte held a summit meeting in Tokyo with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between Japan and Peru, which spans more than 150 years. The visit included the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of tourism, the exchange of diplomatic notes on disaster prevention assistance, and the promotion of cooperation in defense, economy and trade.

Dr. Díaz expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Peru to Japan, H.E. Roberto Seminario, for the kind invitation, and reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the initiatives of the Embassy of Peru aimed at further strengthening the excellent relations between Peru and Japan.