From September 21 to September 29, 2024, Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, contributed as a guest lecturer to the International Career Seminar (ICS) at Utsunomiya University. The ICS program is dedicated to equipping students with essential global perspectives and practical knowledge necessary for thriving in international careers. With a strong focus on “Globalization” and “Glocalization,” the seminar underscores the significance of addressing global challenges within local contexts.

Dr. Diaz’s lecture, titled “Advising Foreign Exporters about the Japanese Market,” offered invaluable insights to students from Utsunomiya University, the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS, Malaysia). His presentation provided practical strategies and useful knowledge aimed at preparing students for successful careers in international business. This interactive session also facilitated understanding of the unique aspects of the Japanese market, enhancing students’ readiness for real-world applications.

A distinguishing feature of the ICS is the use of English as the medium of instruction, allowing students to actively participate in cross-cultural exchanges with international professors, lecturers, and peers. Under Dr. Diaz’s mentorship, students concluded the seminar with a hands-on project, presenting two products for potential introduction to the Japanese market. This experience provided them with valuable insights into the complexities and dynamics of international trade.

Dr. Diaz’s lecture was designed to guide students towards future roles in the international divisions of trading companies, government trade offices, and international trade organizations, as well as to prepare them for potential careers as independent consultants advising foreign companies on entering the Japanese market.

Through Dr. Diaz’s participation, JAPOLAC exemplifies its commitment to advancing practical education that empowers future professionals with the skills necessary to excel in a globalized world. This collaboration between JAPOLAC and Utsunomiya University underscores the importance of international education and fosters the development of globally-minded professionals poised to thrive in an interconnected world.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, and his wife, Mrs. Ayana Diaz Hatada, hosted a farewell dinner in honor of His Excellency Alexander Salas Araya, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Japan. The dinner celebrated his friendship and unwavering support for JAPOLAC’s initiatives.

Since JAPOLAC’s founding in 2020, Ambassador Salas has demonstrated steadfast commitment to the association’s mission of disseminating the activities of Latin American and Caribbean embassies in Japan, helping to promote the region’s visibility.

Ambassador Salas has consistently supported JAPOLAC’s cultural initiatives, underscoring his dedication to fostering meaningful connections. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between JAPOLAC and the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), thereby facilitating the dissemination of Costa Rica’s business initiatives within the Japanese market.

The event counted on the distinguished presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to Japan, officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and former Japanese ambassadors to Costa Rica and the Latin American and Caribbean region, among other esteemed guests.

The evening underscored JAPOLAC’s profound gratitude to Ambassador Salas for his invaluable contributions to strengthening the ties between Costa Rica, Japan, and the broader Latin American and Caribbean region.

At the invitation of the Embassy of El Salvador, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Director Representative of JAPOLAC, attended the preview of the SUPERCYCLES exhibition, showcasing the works of Berlin-based Salvadoran artist Fredy Solan. This exceptional exhibition, held from September 25 to September 27 at the Embassy of El Salvador, attracted political and cultural personalities as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

Fredy Solan, a celebrated Salvadoran artist, is known for his exploration of contemporary art through innovative forms of representation and abstraction. Solan utilizes a unique blend of print, spray, and hand brush techniques on canvas, delving into the concept of intense economic growth cycles and their impact on global commodity demand over the last 150 years.

The SUPERCYCLES exhibition offered guests an immersive experience, where art and economic converged, presenting a philosophical dialogue through thought-provoking works. In addition, attendees enjoyed a captivating photo exhibition showcasing El Salvador’s dynamic urban landscapes and breathtaking natural scenery, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

 

On September 24, the closing ceremony for the seventh short online program, organized by Panama Technological University for Chiba University students, took place under the coordination of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC). JAPOLAC’s coordination has been instrumental in facilitating this meaningful academic exchange, highlighting its commitment to fostering cross-cultural educational partnerships.

During the ceremony, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended heartfelt congratulations to both professors and students for their dedication and perseverance throughout the program. He commended the students for embracing the challenge of engaging in English and for their enthusiastic exploration of Panama’s rich history, iconic canal, logistics sector, and natural wonders. This program has offered students the opportunity to expand their perspectives far beyond Japan, fostering a profound cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Dr. Diaz highlighted the expansion of academic collaboration between Panama Technological University and Chiba University beyond controlled environment agriculture to include the fields of semiconductors and medicine. These high-priority areas not only enhance the academic profiles of both institutions but also contribute to addressing global challenges through joint initiatives and innovative research.

He emphasized the rapidly evolving nature of education, particularly with the rise of digital platforms and the integration of artificial intelligence. These technological advancements have made international education and collaboration more accessible and cost-effective. The short online programs are a prime example of how digital education is transforming global learning, teaching, and cooperation, opening doors to new opportunities and ushering in an era where learning is more meaningful, practical, and inclusive.

Dr. Diaz concluded by expressing his deepest gratitude to Chiba University for its ongoing partnership with the Panama Technological University. He reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the internationalization of both institutions and to continuing the development of intercultural educational initiatives. After seven consecutive virtual programs, JAPOLAC’s coordination has been instrumental in facilitating these meaningful academic exchanges, underscoring the association’s dedication to fostering intercultural educational partnerships.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the Official Ceremony commemorating the 203rd Anniversary of Central American Independence, organized by the Heads of Mission of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

The event took place at the International House of Japan and was attended by distinguished Japanese politicians and business leaders, representatives from various Japanese ministries and institutions, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps and prominent figures from Japanese society.

Her Excellency Sandy Dávila, Ambassador of Nicaragua to Japan and Pro Tempore President of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in Japan, delivered the message on behalf of the Central American countries. H.E. Yoshifumi Tsuge, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, conveyed the message from the Government of Japan, and the toast of honor was led by H.E. Yasushi Hosaka, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The Heads of Mission of the Central American countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bonds of cooperation and friendship with Japan, highlighting the region’s progress in areas such as security, trade promotion, and investment attraction. They also expressed their gratitude for Japan’s longstanding cooperation with the five Central American nations.

During the ceremony, Dr. Diaz extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Central American Heads of Mission, reiterating JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the promotional efforts of the five Central American countries in Japan, with a view to further strengthening the ties between the two regions.