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.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in several working meetings at Chiba University to review academic programs conducted in collaboration with various universities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meetings included representatives from the International Students Division, the Faculty of Horticulture, and the Faculty of Engineering.

Since 2021, JAPOLAC and Chiba University have launched a series of short online programs aimed at introducing the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to Japanese university students. These programs, delivered in English by professors from Latin America and the Caribbean, provide a platform for international academic exchange.

To date, Chiba University has successfully implemented these online programs in partnership with Panama Technological University, the University of Technology of Jamaica, and the University of Santiago de Chile.

JAPOLAC has also collaborated with Chiba University to promote Controlled Environment Agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean, a pioneering technology advanced by CU.

Currently, JAPOLAC and Chiba University are exploring opportunities to expand academic collaboration into other areas, such as semiconductors and immunology.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the Patricia Vlieg concert commemorating 120 years of diplomatic relations between Panama and Japan. The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of Panama and the Min-On Concert Association.

The evening commenced with opening remarks by H.E. Carlos Pere, Ambassador of Panama, Mr. Shunichi Tokura, Commissioner of the Japan Cultural Agency, and Mr. Koji Yamaguchi, President of the Min-On Concert Association. The audience included members of the diplomatic corps, prominent Japanese personalities, and the general public, who were captivated by the unique combination of songs from Japan and Panama.

Patricia Vlieg is a distinguished Panamanian music educator, performer, and cultural ambassador, renowned for her multifaceted talents as a singer, pianist, guitarist, composer, arranger, and music researcher.

She has enchanted audiences across Japan with her interpretations of Japanese songs during extensive tours in major cities such as Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hamamatsu. Her performances have taken place at prestigious venues including the Okura Hotel, Hotel Gajoen, the Bunka Center, and the Min-On Cultural Center. Her fluency in Japanese and her ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles have led to notable collaborations with distinguished Japanese artists.

Patricia Vlieg’s musical artistry transcends borders, creating platforms for intercultural dialogue and fostering a deep appreciation for Panama’s intangible cultural heritage while broadening global understanding of diverse cultural traditions.

Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in peace studies in Japan, further enriching her intellectual contributions to the promotion of cultural understanding and world peace.