JAPOLAC Hosts New Year Gathering to Celebrate 2024 Achievements and Implement an Ambitious Agenda for 2025

The Japanese Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC) warmly welcomed its directors and members to its annual New Year gathering. The event, presided over by Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, served as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and share a roadmap for 2025. Dr. Diaz expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all directors and members for their support and dedication to JAPOLAC’s mission of fostering connections and collaboration between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Diaz highlighted several important initiatives from 2024, including the successful launch of an online academic program between Chiba University and the University of Santiago, Chile. He also underscored JAPOLAC’s collaboration with Kura Sushi to introduce Latin American and Caribbean culinary delights at Expo Osaka 2025—a testament to the vibrant cultural exchange JAPOLAC champions. Furthermore, he announced the incorporation of the Embassy of Honduras as a new honorary member of JAPOLAC, marking another milestone in strengthening ties with the region’s diplomatic missions.

Building on the successes of the past year, Dr. Diaz explain the activities for 2025. In this regard, he announced the preparation for the First Ecuador Cultural Festival, set to take place in June, which will celebrate Ecuador’s rich gastronomy, music, dance, tourism, and products. He also shared plans for a series of diplomatic lectures at Chiba University, featuring presentations by the embassies of Ecuador, Cuba, and Guatemala in April and May, further enriching academic and cultural dialogues.

Kura Sushi Press Conference Showcases Latin American and Caribbean Dishes

On December 12, Mr. Neil Butler, Senior Director of JAPOLAC, attended a press conference organized by Kura Sushi to announce the inclusion of light dishes from 70 countries in its restaurant offerings, which will be featured at the Kura Sushi pavilion during Expo Osaka 2025.

The event commenced with a speech by Mr. Makoto Tanaka, Executive Vice President of Kura Sushi, who elaborated on the concept “Revolving Belts Unite the World”, which seeks to present sushi alongside light dishes from 70 countries, emphasizing a global culinary exchange. Among these, dishes from 13 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) will be introduced, underscoring the rich culinary heritage of the region.

His Excellency Robert Takata, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic and President of the Group of Heads of Mission of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), delivered a heartfelt address on behalf of the participating LAC countries, expressing his gratitude to Kura Sushi for this landmark initiative, which highlights the diverse flavors of the LAC region at Expo Osaka 2025.

Ambassador Takata also emphasized the pivotal role of gastronomy in building cultural bridges, fostering friendship, and enhancing mutual understanding among peoples from different parts of the world.
During the press conference, attendees had the opportunity to view and learn about the featured dishes from the 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries:

• Belize: Habanero Chicken
• Brazil: Cheese Bread
• Bolivia: Spicy Hot Chicken
• Colombia: Creole Potato with Hogao Sauce
• Chile: Sea Urchin
• Cuba: Sredded Beef (Ropa Vieja)
• Dominican Republic: Coconut Fish
• Guatemala: Coffee Jelly
• Honduras: Grilled Beef (Carne Asada)
• Peru: Ceviche
• Panama: Beats and Potato Salad
• Trinidad and Tobago: Doubles
• Uruguay: Alfajores

Kura Sushi, renowned as one of the world’s leading conveyor-belt sushi chains with 550 restaurants in Japan, has embarked on this innovative journey to celebrate global cuisine. In addition to showcasing these dishes at Expo Osaka 2025, Kura Sushi announced plans to introduce them in its restaurants starting February 7, 2025.

This initiative not only enhances the culinary landscape of Expo Osaka 2025 but also highlights the vital role of food as a universal language that unites cultures and strengthens international bonds between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Preparatory Meeting on the First Ecuador Cultural Festival in Japan

On December 10, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, and Mr. Fredy Armijo, President of the Ecuadorian Association in Japan (SEKIDO), held a preparatory meeting with His Excellency César Montaño, Ambassador of Ecuador to Japan, and his team.

The discussion centered on the planning and coordination of the first Ecuador Cultural Festival in Japan, titled “The Country of the Four Worlds: Rhythms of the Andes.” Scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Tokyo, this landmark event will celebrate Ecuadorian culture with the support of SEKIDO and the collaboration of the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan.

This festival marks JAPOLAC’s fourth cultural event and serves as a tribute to Ecuador’s vibrant heritage and natural wonders. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ecuadorian gastronomy, traditional music and dance, tourism, and an array of products that showcase the nation’s rich traditions and multifaceted identity.

Ecuador is celebrated as the “Country of the Four Worlds” for its extraordinary geographical diversity, spanning the lush Amazon Rainforest, the majestic Andes Mountains, the picturesque Pacific Coast, and the pristine Galápagos Islands. The festival aspires to bring this remarkable diversity closer to the Japanese public, fostering a deeper appreciation of Ecuador’s unique cultural and natural treasures.

During the meeting, His Excellency Ambassador Montaño expressed his gratitude to JAPOLAC and SEKIDO for their dedication to organizing this significant cultural initiative. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s unwavering support for the festival, highlighting its vital role in strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between Ecuadorian and Japanese citizens.

The Ecuador Cultural Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of cross-cultural exchange, exemplifying the enduring ties between Ecuador and Japan.

Paraguay Art Exhibition “Threads of Hybridity: The Story of Nikkei and Ñanduti”

On December 9, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Threads of Hybridity: The Story of Nikkei and Ñanduti,” organized by the Japan Ñanduti Association at the Cervantes Institute in Tokyo.

The event commenced with warm greetings and opening remarks delivered by Mr. Víctor Andresco, Director of the Cervantes Institute, Ms. Emi Fukuoka, a Paraguayan fashion graduate student, and Mrs. Elena Iwatani, President of the Japan Ñanduti Association. The opening ceremony concluded with a welcoming address and toast by His Excellency Mario Toyotoshi, Ambassador of Paraguay to Japan.

This captivating exhibition delves into the intricate connections between Paraguayan Ñandutí lace and the cultural identity of the Nikkei community. It chronicles the origins of Ñandutí, which was introduced to Paraguay from Spain during the colonial era, and highlights its journey to Japan, where it has flourished as part of the shared cultural heritage of Paraguayan and Japanese Nikkei traditions.

Ñandutí, meaning “spiderweb” in Guaraní, is a traditional Paraguayan lace-making craft renowned for its intricate patterns and vibrant designs inspired by the beauty of nature. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, transforming it into a work of art. Over time, Ñandutí has become a distinct cultural symbol of Paraguay, celebrated both domestically and internationally for its exceptional artistry.

The exhibition features an engaging comparison of traditional Ñandutí creations by Paraguayan artisans alongside exquisite works crafted by members of the Ñandutí Association in Japan. Additionally, a capsule collection of contemporary interpretations of Ñandutí will be showcased, designed by Ms. Emi Fukuoka in collaboration with the Japanese Ñandutí Association.

The interplay between Japanese Nikkei traditions and Paraguayan Ñandutí lace exemplifies the richness of cultural hybridity. This harmonious fusion blends the precision and aesthetics of Japanese design with the time-honored techniques of Ñandutí, resulting in a hybrid art form that beautifully reflects the shared identity and cultural coexistence of these two communities.

The exhibition runs from December 9, 2024, to February 8, 2025, at the Cervantes Institute in Tokyo. For additional details, please refer to the enclosed flyer.

Japan-Cuba Concert: A Joyful Celebration of Friendship Over 95 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Cuba and Japan came together to celebrate the 95th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the enchanting concert “Japan Sings to Cuba,” held at the Min-On Cultural Center in Tokyo. At the invitation of the Cuban Embassy, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative of JAPOLAC, participated in this joyful event, which highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Cuban Ambassador Gisela García warmly expressed the historical bonds of friendship that unite Cuba and Japan. She praised Japan’s valuable development cooperation in areas of significant social impact, emphasizing the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship.

Yasushi Noguchi, Director General of the Latin America and Caribbean Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Cuba. He highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration as both nations look toward the centennial of their diplomatic relations. Noguchi also mentioned Japan’s recent humanitarian aid to Cuba following Hurricane Rafael, a heartfelt gesture reflecting the solidarity and mutual support between the two countries.

Koji Yamaguchi, President of Min-On Concert, eloquently spoke about the rich cultural exchanges that have defined Japan-Cuba relations over the years. He paid tribute to the visionary legacy of Daisaku Ikeda, founder of Min-On, whose efforts have promoted music as a universal bridge of understanding and harmony among peoples.

It is worth noting that the formal date marking the establishment of diplomatic relations is December 21, while the ties between the two nations stretch back more than 410 years, beginning with the historic visit of the samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga to Cuban soil during his journey to Rome. Today, these relations flourish, rooted in friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.

The concert, featuring exceptional performances by Japanese artists such as Ken Morimura, Noriko Kishi, Luis Valle, Mika Takenaga, and others, masterfully showcased traditional Cuban music. This vibrant celebration marked the beginning of a series of commemorative events, exemplifying the joy and unity that define the Japan-Cuba relationship.