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.
 

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, recently held a working meeting with the Dean of Chiba University’s School of Medicine and faculty members from the Department of Immunology. This meeting centered on establishing modalities for academic cooperation between Chiba University and the University of Panama’s School of Medicine, with a special focus on the field of immunology.

The Dean expressed Chiba University’s keen interest in creating a framework for academic and research exchanges with the University of Panama’s School of Medicine. As part of this initiative, both parties agreed to work toward drafting a specific academic exchange agreement to facilitate the mobility of students, faculty, and researchers between the two institutions.

Beyond immunology, the Dean proposed expanding the academic cooperation to include the fields of physiology and pharmacology. Dr. Diaz committed to organizing an online meeting to introduce specialists in these areas from both universities, providing a good opportunity for professors to discuss their respective research programs and identify potential areas for joint projects.

Following the meeting, the Dean accompanied Dr. Diaz on a tour of Chiba University’s School of Medicine facilities, which were renovated two years ago and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Diaz also visited the university hospital, a large and technologically advanced facility built just four years ago and located next to the School of Medicine. These facilities underscore Chiba University’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge medical training and advancing research.

Fostering academic exchanges between Japanese universities and their counterparts in Latin America and the Caribbean is one of JAPOLAC’s primary objectives.

 

On September 15th, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), participated in the Paraguay Festival, held at Hikarigaoka Park in Tokyo.

During this notable cultural event, Dr. Diaz extended his greetings to His Excellency Mario Toyotoshi, Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to Japan, congratulating him on the excellent organization and high quality of the festival, which successfully conveyed the rich cultural heritage of Paraguay.

The Paraguay Festival offered attendees a vibrant showcase of the country’s traditions, with a delightful selection of typical dishes and representative beverages, as well as an exhibition of traditional costumes that highlighted the diversity and refined design of Paraguayan textile art.

The cultural program also included musical performances, with a special highlight on the Paraguayan harp, an iconic instrument of the country, whose joyful melody captivated the audience’s attention.

Dr. Diaz’s participation in this significant event reflects JAPOLAC’s firm commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Furthermore, the successful celebration of the Paraguay Festival helps promote mutual understanding and the bonds of friendship between the citizens of Japan and the Republic of Paraguay.

 

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, had the honor of participating in the celebration of the 214 Anniversary of Chile’s Independence.

The reception commenced with heartfelt welcoming remarks by H.E. Ricardo G. Rojas, Ambassador of Chile, and H.E. Yasuhsi Hosaka, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Both dignitaries underscored the deep and enduring bonds that have flourished between Chile and Japan over the course of 127 years of diplomatic relations.

During the event, Dr. Díaz conveyed his warmest congratulations to Ambassador Rojas, reaffirming JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the Chilean diplomatic mission’s promotional efforts in Japan.

The reception also showcased a selection of Chilean products, most notably an array of exquisite Chilean wines, which continue to enjoy high regard and appreciation in Japan.

The celebration was attended by distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, local authorities, and prominent figures from the Japanese community, further enhancing the prestige of the occasion.

JAPOLAC remains firmly dedicated to supporting the initiatives of Latin American and Caribbean embassies in Japan. In alignment with this mission, JAPOLAC, in collaboration with the Embassy of Chile, successfully organized an online academic program between the University of Santiago, Chile, and Chiba University earlier this year in March.

 

On September 6, the Technological University of Panama and Chiba University launched the seventh edition of their short online program as part of the University Internationalization Program, coordinated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

This three-week synchronous program, conducted entirely in English, provides Japanese students with a unique opportunity to acquire practical knowledge that extends far beyond the classroom. It focuses on delivering practical and relevant knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of Panama’s strategic importance.

A key feature of the program is the deep exploration of the Panama Canal, from its historical inception to the contemporary challenges of water management and climate change. Through this, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the canal’s crucial function in global trade and logistics, highlighting its enduring importance in an increasingly interconnected world.

In addition to this, the program examines Panama’s position as a global logistics hub. Lessons on supply chain management, international transportation, and the intricate mechanisms of world commerce provide students with essential knowledge about the flow of goods and services across borders, and Panama’s role in facilitating this movement.

The program also addresses pressing environmental issues through a segment on sustainable forest management. Students will learn about Panama and Central America’s proactive policies in response to environmental challenges, showcasing the region’s significant contributions to global conservation efforts.

To foster cross-cultural exchange, a dedicated segment encourages meaningful interaction between Japanese and Panamanian students, promoting mutual understanding and enriching their global perspectives.

JAPOLAC’s short online programs are thoughtfully designed to offer Japanese students not only practical insights into Latin American and Caribbean countries but also to inspire them to explore these regions further through study and travel opportunities.