In an effort to promote cultural exchange through gastronomy, Mr. Neil Butler, Senior Director of the Japan-Latin America and Caribbean Association (JAPOLAC) and CEO of Japan Partnership Holdings, has 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.

This innovative initiative is designed to bring the vibrant and diverse flavors of Latin American and Caribbean cuisine to Japan during the highly anticipated Expo Osaka 2025.

As a result of these collaborative tastings, Kura Sushi will showcase a carefully curated selection of light dishes from Latin American and Caribbean countries at its pavilion during Expo Osaka 2025. Additionally, starting in January 2025, these dishes will be featured at Kura Sushi restaurants across Japan, allowing diners to experience the culinary diversity of the region firsthand.

The selected menu highlights the rich culinary heritage of the following countries:

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

JAPOLAC played a central role in facilitating this initiative, serving as a bridge between Latin American and Caribbean embassies, culinary experts, and Kura Sushi. This collaboration exemplifies JAPOLAC’s commitment to fostering cultural connections and enhancing the appreciation of Latin American and Caribbean gastronomy among Japanese audiences.

 

In celebration of the Japan-Caribbean Exchange Year, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will carry out the film festival, A Journey Through Film and Talks: Caribbean Life, Nature, and Music.

The morning session will begin with the screening of Calypso Rose, an 85-minute documentary film with Japanese subtitles about Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of Calypso—a music genre that inspired the famous theme song from The Little Mermaid. Located near the South American continent, Trinidad and Tobago is also renowned for hosting one of the world’s largest carnivals.

The afternoon screening features Tecuani and the Duende, a 20-minute animated short from Belize, a small, culturally rich Caribbean nation in Central America, celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage coral reefs. This beautifully animated film, based on folklore, is suitable for children and will also be subtitled.

Both sessions are free and will include talk sessions with JICA staff and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers who have lived in Caribbean countries.

For registration, please scan the QR code on the flyer.

Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024
Venue: JICA Global Plaza, 2F, International Conference Hall
Address: Ichigaya Building, 10-5 Ichigaya Honmuracho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8433
E-mail: chikyuhiroba@jica.go.jp

Morning Session

Time: 10:00 – 12:20
Film: Calypso Rose
Country: Trinidad and Tobago, France
Year of Production: 2011
Running Time: 85 minutes
Language: English with Japanese subtitles

Afternoon Session

Time: 15:00 – 16:45
Film: Tecuani and the Duende
Country: Belize
Year of Production: 2019
Running Time: 20 minutes
Language: English with Japanese subtitles

 

On October 4th, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Director Representative of JAPOLAC, had the honor of participating in the inauguration ceremony of the 10th Convention of the World Federation of Peruvian Institutions (FEMIP), held at the Embassy of Peru in Japan.

The inauguration began with opening remarks from the convention’s organizers, followed by speeches from the Ambassador of Peru, the Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Division of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as distinguished Peruvian local authorities and members of the Peruvian Congress.

This convention, which took place from October 4th to 6th, addressed highly relevant topics such as health, education, technology, and security. It also featured renowned speakers, including Mexican businessman and philanthropist Marcelino Muñoz, who has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature for his valuable publications on personal development and holistic education.

FEMIP, as an international organization, brings together Peruvian institutions and associations from various parts of the world, with the purpose of promoting and strengthening Peruvian cultural identity, while supporting the economic, social, cultural, and educational development of the Peruvian community both abroad and within Peru.

During the convention, Dr. Diaz congratulated Mr. Carlos Galarza, Representative of FEMIP Asia-Japan, for the success achieved in organizing this significant event, and reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to collaborating in the advancement and well-being of the Peruvian community in Japan.

 

On Wednesday, October 2, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the renowned photographic exhibition “Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes,” held at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado and His Excellency Rachad Bouhlal, Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco and Chairperson of the exhibition. Following these greetings, awards were presented to the most distinguished photographs across various categories.

Among the awardees was His Excellency Harold Burgos, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras, who received the Jury’s Mention award—a prestigious recognition granted by the jury to a participant whose photograph stood out for its originality and exceptional impact.

Now in its 27th year, the “Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes” exhibition was held under the theme “inspiring Japan” and counted on the participation of 62 diplomats and their families from 42 countries. The exhibition is carried out under the generous patronage of HIH Princess Takamado as Honorary President.

This annual event has evolved into a cherished tradition and a meaningful platform for cultural exchange, with diplomats accredited to Japan enthusiastically participating each year. Through their unique photographic perspectives, they share their insights on Japan, offering Japanese audiences a captivating, international lens on their own culture.

JAPOLAC extends heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Burgos for this high distinction, which serves to further strengthen the cultural connections between Honduras and Japan.

 

The Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC) recently organized an online meeting between the Research Center for Production of Agriculture in Controlled Environment (CIPAC) and Chiba University to explore CIPAC’s advancements and discuss potential collaboration.

Established in Panama in 2021 as an Association of Public Interest, CIPAC promotes research, training, and production in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) through public-private partnerships. CIPAC collaborates with national research, educational, and innovation centers across Panama, Latin America, and the Caribbean to drive agricultural innovation. It also engages with international partners to expand CEA technologies, particularly in regions facing climate-related challenges, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The meeting included participation of Mr. David Proenza, a CIPAC Consultant, who provided an overview of the organization’s initiatives and emphasized its commitment to building global academic and research connections. Representing Chiba University, Dr. Michiko Takagaki, a professor and former Director of the Center for Environment, Health, and Field Sciences, expressed appreciation for the insights into CIPAC’s progress, highlighting the value of collaborative research in advancing CEA technology.

CIPAC originated from academic collaborations between Chiba University and Panamanian universities, including the University of Panama and the Technological University of Panama, laying the groundwork for ongoing international cooperation in CEA.

Moderated by Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, the meeting underscored JAPOLAC’s role in fostering partnerships to promote CEA. JAPOLAC actively supports the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to improve productivity, food security, and farmers’ livelihoods. Initiatives like these strengthen ties between Japan and Latin American and Caribbean countries, promoting sustainable solutions and encouraging agricultural resilience in response to climate change.