Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), took part in the special event “A Message to Humanity”, an onboard exhibition co-organized by Peace Boat and the Nobel Peace Center as part of Peace Boat’s global voyage.

Curated in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, this traveling exhibition brings the powerful stories and messages of Nobel Peace Prize laureates to audiences around the world. Of particular significance are the testimonies of Hibakusha—survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—whose voices underscore the urgent need to promote peace and pursue nuclear disarmament in today’s increasingly unstable global landscape.

Dr. Diaz offered his sincere congratulations to the organizers, stating:

“I commend Peace Boat and the Nobel Peace Center for this outstanding initiative, which delivers a powerful message of peace and resilience. The exhibition is a beautifully curated space for reflection, reminding us of the urgent moral responsibility we share in building a more peaceful world.”

JAPOLAC’s participation in this event highlights its close relationship with Peace Boat. In 2024, JAPOLAC supported the commemoration of Peace Boat’s 40th anniversary, further strengthening the bond between the two organizations. Both entities are committed to promoting global peace and intercultural understanding—values that resonate deeply with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

“A Message to Humanity” marks the first collaboration of its kind between Peace Boat and the Nobel Peace Center. The exhibition reflects a shared commitment to peace education and dialogue through storytelling and creative expression, reaching global citizens at each port of call.

JAPOLAC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Peace Boat in advancing international cooperation—especially in a time marked by rising geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, and increasing threats to human dignity.

As part of an educational initiative to promote awareness of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) among Japanese university students, H.E. César Montaño, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Japan, delivered an engaging lecture to more than 40 students at Chiba University.

The event marked the first in a series of diplomatic lectures launched this year by the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC) in collaboration with the Graduate School of Global and Transdisciplinary Studies at Chiba University.

The lecture, titled “Ecuador: A Land of Cultural and Natural Richness”, was conducted in English and aimed at providing Japanese students with practical knowledge of Ecuador’s diverse geography, vibrant cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and contributions to international diplomacy. The lectures are designed in English to immerse students in an international learning environment and broaden their intercultural communication skills.

Students from diverse academic backgrounds—including engineering, liberal arts, law, education, science, and information studies—shared highly positive feedback on the lecture.. Many expressed their fascination with Ecuador’s status as a megadiverse country, highlighting the Ambassador’s discussion of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, and coastal regions. Others expressed interest in Ecuador’s significant contribution to Japan’s food supply, particularly through products such as shrimp, bananas, cacao, and frozen broccoli.

Beyond ecological and economic topics, students appreciated the opportunity to learn about Ecuador’s indigenous traditions, music, and festivals, drawing comparisons with Japan’s own efforts to preserve cultural heritage. Ambassador Montaño’s warm and approachable style left a lasting impression, and many students noted that the lecture deepened their understanding of the role of diplomacy in fostering global cooperation.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting:

“This series of lectures is designed to strengthen collaboration between diplomatic missions and Japanese academic institutions. We are pleased to begin with such an inspiring session from the Ambassador of Ecuador, which certainly will open the door for further academic cooperation between Chiba University and Ecuador universities.”

Looking ahead, JAPOLAC plans to expand the program with future lectures featuring diplomats from across the Latin American and Caribbean region. The initiative reflects JAPOLAC’s ongoing commitment to building bridges of knowledge, friendship, and understanding between Japan and the LAC countries.

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. Gisela García, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Japan, to coordinate the upcoming lecture on Cuba to be delivered by the Ambassador at Chiba University next 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 García and Dr. Díaz discussed the themes and structure of the lecture, as well as the importance of bringing Cuba’s perspective to Japanese youth. Ambassador García expressed her 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.

On April 9, at a meeting held at the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan, H.E. César Montaño, Ambassador of Ecuador to Japan, presented an Official Certificate of Recognition, issued by H.E. Gabriela Sommerfeld, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, to the Association of Ecuadorians in Japan (SEKIDO) in acknowledgment of its valuable contribution to cultural promotion and support for the Ecuadorian community residing in Japan.

This recognition highlights the Association’s sustained efforts to preserve and promote Ecuador’s traditions, values, and cultural expressions through a wide range of cultural, artistic, culinary, and community-based activities. These initiatives are directed both at Ecuadorians and Japanese citizens interested in discovering the rich heritage of the Andean nation.

Mr. Fredy Armijos, President of the Association, received the certificate on behalf of all SEKIDO members and expressed his gratitude to the Government of Ecuador for this meaningful gesture. He noted that the recognition reaffirms SEKIDO’s commitment to continue working enthusiastically for the well-being of the Ecuadorian community and for strengthening the bonds of friendship between Ecuador and Japan.

During the ceremony, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), participated as a witness and congratulated Mr. Armijos and all SEKIDO members for their outstanding efforts to elevate Ecuador’s cultural visibility in Japan.

It is worth noting that JAPOLAC and SEKIDO have joined forces to organize the First Ecuadorian Cultural Festival, titled “The Country of the Four Worlds: Rhythms of the Andes”, to be held on June 7, 2025, at Port City Takeshiba in Tokyo.