JAPOLAC and DEVNET Explore Ways of Cooperation Between Japan, Latin America, and the Caribbean


The Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), Dr. Ritter Díaz, held a meeting with the CEO of DEVNET, Mr. Fumiyasu Akegawa, to explore practical avenues for enhancing cooperation between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration in trade facilitation, particularly in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access new opportunities in Japan and the region of Latin America and the Caribbean.

During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering economic development and building sustainable partnerships that will yield mutual benefits for Japan and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Díaz elaborated on JAPOLAC’s role as an important platform for information exchange, communication, and networking, facilitating trade, international education, and cultural exchange between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mr. Akegawa highlighted DEVNET’s mission to advance international development through collaborative projects. He noted that DEVNET’s extensive global network is dedicated to fostering sustainable development solutions, leveraging technological innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship to create lasting socio-economic impact.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further explore specific projects that align with the strategic objectives of both organizations.

About DEVNET

DEVNET Japan is a branch of DEVNET International, a United Nations-affiliated non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting sustainable development and international cooperation.

JAPOLAC Facilitates Study Tour for Panama Technological University Students at the Faculty of Engineering of Chiba University


Under the initiative of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), a professor and three students from the Panama Technological University (UTP) will embark on a study tour at the Faculty of Engineering of Chiba University in mid-February. This initiative aims to enhance academic collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of semiconductor research.

The study tour will focus on innovative methods to manage heat in semiconductor devices, an essential aspect for improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in next-generation technology.

In preparation for the trip, an orientation session was organized with the participation of Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC. The session provided an overview of the research objectives and the significance of the collaboration between UTP and Chiba University in this important field.

Dr. Díaz expressed his gratitude to Chiba University for organizing the study tour under the Sakura Science Program, emphasizing the importance of academic exchanges in fostering scientific and technological innovation between Japan and Panama.

JAPOLAC remains committed to supporting academic partnerships and strengthening cooperation between Japanese, Latin American, and Caribbean universities.

The Embassy of Honduras Joins JAPOLAC as an Honorary Member


At a meeting held on January 10, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), formally received the notification of the incorporation of the Embassy of Honduras in Japan as an Honorary Member of JAPOLAC. This notification was delivered by the Honduran Ambassador, H.E. Harold Burgos, during a meeting at the premises of the Honduran diplomatic mission.

The inclusion of the Embassy of Honduras as an Honorary Member of JAPOLAC marks a significant step in strengthening ties between JAPOLAC and the embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean. This event reaffirms JAPOLAC’s steadfast commitment to serving as a bridge connecting the cultures and economies of both regions, promoting mutual understanding and fostering cooperation across various areas of common interest.

In this context, Dr. Diaz expressed his deep gratitude to the Ambassador of Honduras for the trust placed in JAPOLAC, emphasizing that this distinction represents recognition of the association’s continuous efforts to enhance the region’s visibility and support the work of Latin American and Caribbean diplomatic missions in Japan.

With the incorporation of the Embassy of Honduras, JAPOLAC further strengthens its profile as an important platform for information, communication, and networking between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

During the meeting, Dr. Diaz also reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to continue working closely with the region’s diplomatic missions, developing initiatives that generate positive impacts and support the development of both regions.

With the inclusion of Honduras, JAPOLAC now has 12 diplomatic missions as honorary members, further enhancing its capacity for action and representation.

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.