Cuba and Japan came together to celebrate the 95th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the enchanting concert “Japan Sings to Cuba,” held at the Min-On Cultural Center in Tokyo. At the invitation of the Cuban Embassy, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative of JAPOLAC, participated in this joyful event, which highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Cuban Ambassador Gisela García warmly expressed the historical bonds of friendship that unite Cuba and Japan. She praised Japan’s valuable development cooperation in areas of significant social impact, emphasizing the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship.

Yasushi Noguchi, Director General of the Latin America and Caribbean Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Cuba. He highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration as both nations look toward the centennial of their diplomatic relations. Noguchi also mentioned Japan’s recent humanitarian aid to Cuba following Hurricane Rafael, a heartfelt gesture reflecting the solidarity and mutual support between the two countries.

Koji Yamaguchi, President of Min-On Concert, eloquently spoke about the rich cultural exchanges that have defined Japan-Cuba relations over the years. He paid tribute to the visionary legacy of Daisaku Ikeda, founder of Min-On, whose efforts have promoted music as a universal bridge of understanding and harmony among peoples.

It is worth noting that the formal date marking the establishment of diplomatic relations is December 21, while the ties between the two nations stretch back more than 410 years, beginning with the historic visit of the samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga to Cuban soil during his journey to Rome. Today, these relations flourish, rooted in friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.

The concert, featuring exceptional performances by Japanese artists such as Ken Morimura, Noriko Kishi, Luis Valle, Mika Takenaga, and others, masterfully showcased traditional Cuban music. This vibrant celebration marked the beginning of a series of commemorative events, exemplifying the joy and unity that define the Japan-Cuba relationship.

 

At the invitation of the Commercial Office of the Colombian Embassy in Japan, Dr. Ritter Diaz participated in the seminar Perspectives of Renewable Energy Investment in Colombia.
The seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Ms. Angela Duran, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Colombia, and included a series of insightful presentations focusing on Colombia’s energy transition and investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Speakers included representatives from Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, the National Hydrocarbons Agency, Holland & Knight Law Firm, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Sumitomo Corporation, and the Inter-American Development Bank. The event attracted numerous representatives from Japanese companies engaged in the energy sector, highlighting the growing interest in Colombia as a renewable energy hub.

A key focus of the seminar was Colombia’s ambitious efforts to position itself as a leading country in hydrogen energy development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Presenters detailed the strategic steps being taken, including policies to foster green hydrogen production, attract international partnerships, and leverage Colombia’s rich renewable energy resources to drive this transformation.

The event also showcased Japanese companies actively operating in Colombia’s energy sector, emphasizing the strong bilateral collaboration in advancing renewable energy projects.

During the networking session, Dr. Diaz conveyed his gratitude to Mr. Juan Camilo Gomez, Head of the Commercial Office, for the invitation and reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to promoting Colombia’s renewable energy initiatives in Japan. He emphasized JAPOLAC’s alignment with Colombia’s shared vision of fostering sustainable development and innovation across Latin America and the Caribbean.

 

At the invitation of the Embassy of Chile, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the screening of the Argentine-Chilean movie “My Best Enemy”. The event was held at the Cervantes Institute in Tokyo to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile (1984).

The treaty, signed on November 29, 1984, marked the peaceful resolution of a longstanding territorial dispute between the two nations over the Beagle Channel islands. Mediated by the Vatican, the agreement not only prevented a near-war but also established a framework for ongoing diplomatic cooperation and strengthened bilateral relations, serving as a testament to the power of dialogue in resolving international conflicts.

The screening began with greetings from Mr. Victor Andresco, Director of the Cervantes Institute, followed by welcoming remarks from H.E. Ricardo Rojas, Ambassador of Chile, and H.E. Eduardo Tempone, Ambassador of Argentina. Both ambassadors emphasized the significance of the movie in reflecting on the treaty’s legacy and its enduring message of peace.

My Best Enemy is a poignant historical drama that illustrates the absurdity of war and the shared humanity that transcends borders. The film highlights the personal relationships between soldiers from opposing sides, offering a timeless reminder of the importance of understanding and reconciliation in resolving conflicts. Its relevance resonates deeply today, as the world grapples with ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The event highlighted the significance of commemorating milestones such as the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, emphasizing the enduring commitment to diplomacy in fostering peaceful coexistence.

 

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.