Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), held a meeting with a delegation from Colombia’s National Service of Learning, known as SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje), to explore future avenues of collaboration to strengthen technical education and workforce development of Colombia.

Dr. Díaz welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of JAPOLAC’s mission and key initiatives, highlighting the JAPOLAC Online Programs designed to offer Japanese students practical, region-focused courses on Latin America and the Caribbean. These programs are currently being implemented in partnership with Chiba University (Japan), the Technological University of Panama (UTP), the University of Technology of Jamaica (UTech), and the University of Santiago, Chile (USACH).

During the meeting, SENA representatives presented the institution’s education and training programs, emphasizing its role in providing vocational and technological training to Colombian citizens in support of the country’s socio-economic development.

Dr. Díaz reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to promoting “practical education for life,” ensuring that students and professionals in Japan and across Latin America and the Caribbean receive practical, job-oriented training that enables them to contribute meaningfully to society. Both organizations agreed to continue the dialogue and assess concrete areas of cooperation aligned with their shared goals of human development and skills learning.

Dr. Diaz was accompanied by directors of JAPOLAC, including Mr. Ajoy Sinha Roy, Mr. Neil Butler and Mr. Fredy Armijos.

About SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje)

SENA is Colombia’s leading public institution for vocational and technical education, operating under the Ministry of Labor. It offers training programs free of charge and prepares millions of Colombians each year to join the workforce, improve their employability, and develop entrepreneurial skills.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Mr. Octávio Henrique Dias Garcia Côrtes, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

During the meeting, Dr. Diaz provided an overview of JAPOLAC’s mission and current initiatives, emphasizing the Association’s commitment to fostering practical and mutually beneficial exchanges between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

In particular, Dr. Diaz expressed JAPOLAC’s full willingness to collaborate with the Embassy of Brazil, and mentioned, as an example, an initiative promoted jointly with Kura Sushi to feature Latin American and Caribbean cuisine at the Kura Sushi Pavilion during Expo Osaka 2025. As part of this initiative, the Brazlian dish pão de queijo (cheese bread) was offered to visitors during the Expo, showcasing a well-known dish of the country.

Dr. Diaz also reiterated his support for Ambassador Côrtes’ diplomatic mission, stressing that JAPOLAC serves as an additional platform to promote the Embassy’s initiatives and provide valuable information related to political, economic, social, and international developments in Japan.

Ambassador Côrtes welcomed the visit and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about JAPOLAC and its efforts to strengthen relations between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean. He also shared his perspectives on the importance of Brazil–Japan diplomatic ties.

With this visit, JAPOLAC reaffirms its dedication to supporting the efforts of Latin American and Caribbean embassies accredited in Japan, particularly in promoting greater awareness of the region’s rich cultural heritage and its contributions to Japanese society.

Dr. Diaz was accompanied by JAPOLAC Directors Mr. Ajoy Sinha Roy and Mr. Fredy Armijos.

H.E. Mr. Daniel Noboa Azín, President of the Republic of Ecuador, paid an official visit to Japan from August 26, 2025. The visit reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between Ecuador and Japan, building upon more than 100 years of diplomatic relations.

Fraternal Encounter between Ecuador and Japan

As part of his official agenda, President Noboa presided over the “Fraternal Encounter between Ecuador and Japan” (Encuentro Fraterno entre el Ecuador y Japón), with the participation of Ecuadorian citizens residing in Japan, as well as distinguished Japanese citizens involved in activities to promote cooperation between both countries.

During the event, President Noboa presented special recognition to Ecuadorian and Japanese citizens who have contributed to the promotion of Ecuador in Japan, including Mr. Fredy Armijos, President of the Association of Ecuadorians in Japan and Director of JAPOLAC.

Trade Promotion and Investment Seminar

President Noboa also hosted the “Ecuador Investment and Trade Promotion Seminar”, with Mr. Yoji Muto, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), serving as the guest of honor. The seminar was attended by representatives of companies, economic institutions, and members of the diplomatic corps.

President Noboa expressed his firm commitment to further invigorating and expanding bilateral economic exchanges, and he invited Japanese companies to take full advantage of the new business and investment opportunities that Ecuador offers.

Japan–Ecuador Summit Meeting

As a central component of the visit, President Noboa held a bilateral summit meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan. Both leaders discussed cooperation in areas such as security measures, disaster prevention, renewable energy, trade facilitation, and technology. A Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen trade and investment was signed by the respective promotion agencies of the two countries. The outcomes of the visit represent a positive step toward deepening Ecuador–Japan relations based on mutual benefit, shared values, and economic complementarity.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Director Representative of JAPOLAC, participated in both the Fraternal Encounter and the Ecuador Investment and Trade Promotion Seminar, underscoring JAPOLAC’s ongoing engagement with Latin American and Caribbean embassies to increase the visibility of the region in Japan.

In August, the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Japan, in collaboration with the Min-On Concert Association, hosted the “Friendship Concert” to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and Japan. The event took place at the Min-On Culture Center in Tokyo.

The concert featured world-class performances by Costa Rican classical guitarist Alejandro Gómez Ovares and Japanese flutist Manami Hino, who presented a captivating programme showcasing the cultural harmony and enduring friendship between the two nations.

Approximately 190 distinguished guests attended the event, including H.E. Ms. Sussi Jiménez Núñez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Japan; Mr. Koji Yamaguchi, President of Min-On; and members of the diplomatic corps. In her remarks, Ambassador Jiménez highlighted the vital role of music and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties and mutual understanding between Costa Rica and Japan.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the concert and extended his congratulations to Ambassador Jiménez on the celebration of the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He also reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s continued commitment to supporting the activities of the Embassy of Costa Rica in Japan.

By invitation of the Embassy of Ecuador, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the inauguration ceremony of the art exhibition “Andean Culture – Mountains of Flowers and Forests” by Ecuadorian artist Luis Millingalli.

The exhibition, organized by the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan in collaboration with SEKIDO and the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library, presented pictorial works that reflect the natural and cultural richness of the Ecuadorian Andes: flowers, forests, mountains, rural traditions, and the life of the páramo. Through vibrant colors and emblematic landscapes, Millingalli invites visitors to reflect on respect for nature, environmental preservation, and the cultural legacy of the Andes.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Fredy Armijos, Director of JAPOLAC and President of the Ecuadorian Association in Japan (SEKIDO), praised Millingalli’s work and emphasized that this exhibition serves as a cultural bridge between Ecuador and Japan.

Dr. Díaz expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of Ecuador for the kind invitation and highlighted the importance of promoting art as a means of mutual understanding and as a way to strengthen cultural ties that complement institutional and economic cooperation between Ecuador and Japan.

JAPOLAC reaffirms its commitment to disseminating cultural activities that bring Japan closer to Latin America, contributing to the promotion of Latin American and Caribbean cultural expressions and diversity.