On October 5, Dr. Ritter Diaz delivered a lecture on Japan’s Foreign Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to an audience of over 70 members of the Silver Daigaku Kai, an educational organization comprising senior Japanese citizens in the Meguro district of Tokyo.

Dr. Diaz provided an in-depth overview of the current situation in Latin American and Caribbean countries. He explained the guiding principles of Japan’s foreign policy in the region, known as “JUNTOS” (TOGETHER), which is aimed at working together to advance economic prosperity, joining efforts in international leadership to address global challenges, and fostering people-to-people exchanges.

During the lecture, Dr. Diaz cited specific examples of Japan’s international cooperation, including initiatives related to biodiversity management and conservation in countries belonging to the Central American Integration System (SICA in Spanish), as well as the financing and construction of a monorail using Japanese technology in Panama.

In the economic realm, Dr. Diaz highlighted various economic partnership agreements, tax treaties, and investment agreements that have been established between Japan and several countries in the region.

The presentation concluded with an examination of the various challenges faced by LAC countries. These challenges encompass issues such as inequality and poverty, the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and drug trafficking, and the immigration crisis, which has been exacerbated by the severe economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.

On September 29th, the closing ceremony of the second short online program delivered by the University of Technology, Jamaica to students of Chiba University took place, under the coordination of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the closing ceremony, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended his congratulations to the administration and professors of the University of Technology, Jamaica, as well as to the students, professors, and staff at Chiba University for the successful
completion of the program.

The program covered various subjects, including the geography, history, and culture of Jamaica, ecology and climate change, an overview of Jamaica’s energy sector, and cultural interactions
between Japanese and Jamaican students.

As a result of the online program, the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Chiba University are finalizing an Agreement for Academic Exchange and Cooperation. They are also currently
negotiating another agreement for student exchange to further enhance the academic and research collaboration between both universities.

The closing ceremony counted on the distinguished presence of Her Excellency Shorna-Kay Richards, Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan; His Excellency, Yasuhiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica; Dr. Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice-President for Education of Chiba University.

JAPOLAC joins the collaborative effort to announce the upcoming GRULAC Film Festival organized by the Association of Heads of Mission of Latin America and the Caribbean in Japan (GRULAC). The Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 29th to October 1st, 2023 and will take place at the LIBRA HALL, conveniently situated at Minato Park Shibaura 1F, 1-16-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

The festival promises a captivating lineup of movies representing the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. Admission is free of charge.

JAPOLAC encourages the Japanese public and foreign residents in Japan to seize this unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean through the magic of cinema.

On September 5th, the fifth short online program, organized collaboratively by the Technological University of Panama, and Chiba University, was successfully implemented as part of the University Internationalization Program initiated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, thanked both universities for their effort in organizing the virtual academic program, which has been well-received by the students of Chiba University.

This three-week synchronous online program is designed for 29 Japanese students and is conducted entirely in English. It offers an overview of Panama, including the Panama Canal, the logistics hub and forest engineering in Central America. Additionally, the program features a dedicated segment for fostering cultural exchange and interaction between Japanese and Panamanian university students.

JAPOLAC’s short online programs are designed to provide practical knowledge about Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC) to Japanese university students. These programs seek to encourage students to explore and engage with the LAC region through educational pursuits and on-site experiences.

On August 18, JAPOLAC proudly participated in the commemoration of Peace Boat’s 40th Anniversary. This event marked a significant milestone for Peace Boat, as it resumed operations in April of this year following a pause caused by the pandemic.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Tatsuya Yoshioka, the visionary Founder and Director of the ship, and his dedicated team, highlighting their unwavering commitment to fostering peace and facilitating cultural exchange across the globe.

Founded in 1983, the Peace Boat is an international NGO based in Japan, dedicated to advancing peace, human rights, and sustainable development in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With four decades of impactful experience, Peace Boat has organized over 70 voyages around the world, making port calls in more than 200 locations across 80 countries.

Peace Boat’s mission revolves around raising awareness about critical global issues and nurturing cross-cultural understanding. In addition to its voyage itinerary that spans different regions and nations, the ship’s passengers engage in workshops, seminars, joyful cultural events, and hands-on activities, including peace advocacy, disarmament, human rights, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief, among others.

The commemorative event concluded with a captivating cultural performance that highlighted the vibrancy of Latin dance and music, organized by JAPOLAC. This performance truly encapsulated the spirit of unity and celebration that defines Peace Boat’s remarkable 40-year journey.

Over 500 people participated in the event, including ambassadors and diplomats from 45 embassies accredited to Japan.