Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Short Online Program (SOP) Delivered by the Panama Technological University to Chiba University Students

On September 5th, the fifth short online program, organized collaboratively by the Technological University of Panama, and Chiba University, was successfully implemented as part of the University Internationalization Program initiated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, thanked both universities for their effort in organizing the virtual academic program, which has been well-received by the students of Chiba University.

This three-week synchronous online program is designed for 29 Japanese students and is conducted entirely in English. It offers an overview of Panama, including the Panama Canal, the logistics hub and forest engineering in Central America. Additionally, the program features a dedicated segment for fostering cultural exchange and interaction between Japanese and Panamanian university students.

JAPOLAC’s short online programs are designed to provide practical knowledge about Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC) to Japanese university students. These programs seek to encourage students to explore and engage with the LAC region through educational pursuits and on-site experiences.

Opening Ceremony of the Second Short Online Program (SOP) Delivered by the University of Technology, Jamaica to Chiba University Students

On September 4th, the second short online program, organized collaboratively by the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Chiba University, was successfully implemented as part of the University Internationalization Program initiated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

This three-week synchronous online program is designed for 24 Japanese students and is conducted entirely in English. It offers a compact exploration of various facets, including an introduction to Jamaica’s rich history, geography, and culture, a course on Jamaica’s energy sector, and an examination of Jamaica’s ecology and its response to climate change. Additionally, the program featured a dedicated segment for fostering cultural exchange and interaction between Japanese and Jamaican university students.

The opening ceremony, moderated by the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, was honored with the distinguished presence Mr. Sherdon Baugh, Charge d’Affairs, a.i. of the Embassy of Jamaica, who extended warm greetings on behalf of the Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice President for Education of Chiba University, and Dr. Claire Sutherland, Senior Director of International and Institutional Linkages at the Office of the President, University of Technology, Jamaica.

During his welcoming remarks, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Director Representative of JAPOLAC, highlighted that following the success of the first online program, Chiba University and the University of Technology, Jamaica managed to finalize an academic exchange agreement, and are currently in discussions to establish a student exchange agreement. Both agreements will contribute to expand academic and research collaboration between both institutions.

JAPOLAC Joins the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Peace Boat

On August 18, JAPOLAC proudly participated in the commemoration of Peace Boat’s 40th Anniversary. This event marked a significant milestone for Peace Boat, as it resumed operations in April of this year following a pause caused by the pandemic.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Tatsuya Yoshioka, the visionary Founder and Director of the ship, and his dedicated team, highlighting their unwavering commitment to fostering peace and facilitating cultural exchange across the globe.

Founded in 1983, the Peace Boat is an international NGO based in Japan, dedicated to advancing peace, human rights, and sustainable development in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With four decades of impactful experience, Peace Boat has organized over 70 voyages around the world, making port calls in more than 200 locations across 80 countries.

Peace Boat’s mission revolves around raising awareness about critical global issues and nurturing cross-cultural understanding. In addition to its voyage itinerary that spans different regions and nations, the ship’s passengers engage in workshops, seminars, joyful cultural events, and hands-on activities, including peace advocacy, disarmament, human rights, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief, among others.

The commemorative event concluded with a captivating cultural performance that highlighted the vibrancy of Latin dance and music, organized by JAPOLAC. This performance truly encapsulated the spirit of unity and celebration that defines Peace Boat’s remarkable 40-year journey.

Over 500 people participated in the event, including ambassadors and diplomats from 45 embassies accredited to Japan.

JAPOLAC Hosted the Cultural Event “Rhythms of the Caribbean: The Magic of the Dominican Republic”

On July 23, JAPOLAC successfully held the cultural event “Rhythms of the Caribbean: The Magic of the Dominican Republic” in the heart of Tokyo.

H.E. Robert Takata, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Japan, delivered a warm welcome speech, expressing gratitude for the invaluable role played by JAPOLAC in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Japanese and Latin American and Caribbean
communities.

This event marked the third installment in the “Rhythms of the Caribbean” series, captivating the audience with an array of vibrant dance performances, cheerful music, authentic cuisine, tourist attractions and products from the Dominican Republic.
Through these events, JAPOLAC aims to foster cultural awareness among the Japanese citizens, showcasing the distinctive aspects of various Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Furthermore, JAPOLAC endeavors to create a warm and friendly space for Japanese people and their families to learn about and engage with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Over 130 participants attended the event, including the ambassadors from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and the Charge d’Affairs from the embassies of Colombia and Bolivia.

The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of several companies, including Kiyomura Corporation (Sushi Zanmai), Japan Partnership Holdings, Kyodai, Meiji Holdings, Ricoh (31 Country Club), Japan Export Import, Ltd., Noi Enterprise, Hatada Corporation, and Japan Aviation High School.

JAPOLAC remains dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and fostering stronger ties between Japan and Latin American and Caribbean nations.

JAPOLAC Takes Part in Sensitization Session for FOODEX 2024

On July 27, Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, delivered a lecture at the Sensitization Session for FOODEX 2024. The session was organized by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporter Association (JMEA) in collaboration with the Embassy of Jamaica in Japan.

The primary objective of this informative session was to equip Jamaican exporters and relevant
government agencies with essential insights into the Japan 49th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX 2024), the Japanese market, and the potential benefits it offers.

During his presentation, Dr. Diaz shed light on key aspects of the Japanese consumer behavior, the Japanese market dynamics, and the intricacies of the import system. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of government's support for Jamaican export companies and explained JAPOLAC’s role in facilitating business collaborations between Japanese and Latin America and Caribbean companies.

A notable addition to the session was the participation of a representative from the Japan Management Association, the organizer of FOODEX 2024, who provided an overview of the upcoming exhibition.

This event garnered the enthusiastic participation from over 30 export companies from
Jamaica.

The Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, H.E. Shorna-Kay Richards, and representatives from Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) were also in attendance, making it a truly engaging and interactive gathering.