Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, recently facilitated an introductory meeting between specialists in physiology and pharmacology from Panama University and Chiba University’s medical schools.
The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and explore opportunities for expanding academic and research exchanges in these vital medical fields.
This initiative builds on Chiba University’s existing academic partnerships, including its cooperation with Panama Technological University in the areas of horticulture and semiconductors.
JAPOLAC continues to focus on promoting academic and research exchanges between Japanese and Latin American and Caribbean universities, emphasizing collaborations that deliver tangible, practical results.
Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, had the honor of participating in the Latin American Bazaar, an annual charity event jointly organized by the Nippo-Latin America Ladies Association and the embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Latin American Bazaar is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of cultural heritage, showcasing the rich traditions of Latin American and Caribbean countries to the Japanese public. This event features an array of attractions, including traditional foods, beverages, handicrafts, music, and dance performances, offering visitors an immersive experience into the unique cultures of the region.
More than just a festive gathering, the Bazaar serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange, fostering closer bonds between Japan and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean. By creating an opportunity for the Japanese public to engage with and appreciate the diversity, artistry, and culinary excellence of these countries, the event enhances mutual understanding and strengthens cultural ties.
JAPOLAC reaffirms its commitment to supporting this significant initiative, which has consistently contributed to strengthening relations betweem citizens of Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.
By invitation of Ms. Anne Maeda Ikehata, Consul General of Peru, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, had the opportunity to participate at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Remembranzas”, commemorating 35 years of Peruvian immigration to Japan.
The exhibition was designed to pay tribute to the Peruvian community in Japan, celebrating their invaluable contributions and rich cultural heritage. It offered an emotional journey through the migration of Peruvians to Japan, showcasing personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that vividly illustrated their challenges and achievements over the years.
The display also emphasized how Peruvian immigrants have seamlessly integrated into Japanese society while preserving their unique cultural identity, creating an interesting fusion of Peruvian and Japanese traditions. Furthermore, it highlighted the significant roles Peruvians have played in diverse fields, such as business, education, and the arts, thereby enriching Japan’s multicultural landscape.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks by Mrs. Anne Maeda Ikehata, Consul General of Peru, and Mrs. Naoko Yago, Deputy Director of the Planning and Migration Affairs Division of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The event was co-hosted by JICA and held at the Japanese Overseas Migration Museum in Yokohama.
The ceremony brought together members of the diplomatic corps, and prominent figures from both the Japanese and Peruvian communities. This gathering underscored the enduring friendship and cooperation between Peru and Japan, as well as the shared commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of immigrant communities to the social and cultural fabric of Japan.
The exhibition “Remembranzas” stands as a testament to the resilience and achievements of the Peruvian diaspora in Japan, offering an inspiring narrative of unity, diversity, and cultural exchange.
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
