On November 8, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the seminar titled “Investment Opportunities in Peru”, organized by the Embassy of Peru in Japan.

The seminar commenced with opening remarks by H.E. Roberto Seminario, Ambassador of Peru, followed by Mr. Tatsuo Yasunaga, Chairman of the Peru-Japan Business Council, and a video message from Mr. Rómulo Mucho, Peru’s Minister of Mines and Energy. In his message, Mr. Mucho emphasized Japan’s crucial role as a key commercial partner in Peru’s mining sector.

The event was attended by senior executives from prominent Japanese companies, including Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. Ltd., Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation Ltd., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., ITOCHU Corporation, IHI Infrastructure Systems Co., Ltd., and JFE Engineering.

The seminar included presentations by Mr. Taro Seriu, Asia Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Asia Office, who provided an overview of Peru’s current economic landscape, Mr. Fernando Albareda, the Head of Peru’s Commercial Office in Tokyo, delivered a detailed presentation on business opportunities in Peru.

Additionally, the event served as the stage for the launch of the bilingual investment guide “Vale un Perú 2024”, which showcases a detailed list of investment projects promoted by the Peruvian government.

During the networking cocktail that followed, Dr. Diaz thanked Ambassador Seminario for the invitation and expressed JAPOLAC’s commitment to promoting Peru’s business opportunities among Japanese companies.

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.