On December 1, JAPOLAC hosted a farewell dinner in honor of Her Excellency Shorna-Kay Richards, Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, in recognition of her friendship and steadfast support for the association’s activities.

During her tenure, Ambassador Richards actively supported a wide range of JAPOLAC initiatives, including “Rhythms of the Caribbean,” an event dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jamaica.

In addition, under the leadership of Ambassador Richards, JAPOLAC organized two Short Online Programs between the University of Technology of Jamaica and Chiba University. These programs offered a multidisciplinary curriculum that introduced Japanese students to Jamaica’s history, culture, energy sector, environmental challenges, and contemporary social issues, while also incorporating interactive cultural exchange sessions with Jamaican students.

At the dinner, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, expressed his deep appreciation to Ambassador Richards for her unwavering support of the association’s activities and initiatives.

The dinner was attended by JAPOLAC directors, who gathered to celebrate Ambassador Richards’ meaningful contributions to fostering closer ties between Japan and Jamaica.

Overall, the farewell dinner served as a heartfelt expression of JAPOLAC’s sincere gratitude for Ambassador Richards’ commitment to supporting the association’s work and enhancing the visibility of Latin America and the Caribbean in Japan.

On December 8, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), participated as a special guest at the Higashikuninomiya International Cultural Award Ceremony, a prestigious event recognizing outstanding contributions to international friendship, cultural exchange, and global cooperation.

On this occasion, H.E. Manlio Cadelo, Ambassador of the Republic of San Marino to Japan, was honored with a decoration in recognition of his significant contributions to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Japan and the Republic of San Marino, as well as his steadfast commitment to promoting mutual understanding and international dialogue.

The ceremony was further distinguished by the participation of H.E. Walter Cohen, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama, and H.E. Edward Perez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, who attended as special guests and delivered congratulatory remarks to Ambassador Cadelo, highlighting his diplomatic achievements and his role in advancing friendly relations between Japan and the international community.

During the event, Dr. Ritter Díaz expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr. Fumiyasu Akegawa, Chairman of the Higashikuninomiya International Cultural Award Commemorative Association, who presided over the decoration, for the kind invitation, and conveyed his warm congratulations to Ambassador Cadelo on this distinguished honor.

Dr. Díaz also underscored the shared vision between JAPOLAC and the Higashikuninomiya International Cultural Award Commemorative Association, noting that both institutions pursue common objectives in promoting international cooperation between Japan, Latin America, and the wider global community through cultural understanding and dialogue.

The Higashikuninomiya International Cultural Award Ceremony serves as an important platform for strengthening international ties and celebrating the vital role of diplomacy and culture in building lasting bridges between nations.

On November 6, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended a presentation entitled “Artificial Intelligence in Farming Systems: From Academia to Industry,” organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Japan and held at the Official Residence.

The event brought together diplomats, academics, corporate executives, researchers, and professionals to gain insights into the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) and precision farming technologies in modern agriculture in Ecuador.

The presentation was delivered by Dr. Iván Eduardo Ramírez Morales, CEO and President of Larvia and R&D Director at the Universidad Técnica de Machala (UTMACH). Dr. Ramírez Morales presented concrete examples of how AI-based models and advanced data analytics are being successfully applied to agricultural production processes, effectively illustrating the link between academic research and industrial implementation.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to agricultural research, innovation, and international scientific cooperation, Dr. Morales received the JIRCAS Award granted by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). This distinction underscores the importance of strengthening collaboration between Japan and Latin America in the fields of agricultural science, technology transfer, and sustainable development.

Dr. Díaz expressed his appreciation to the Embassy of Ecuador for the kind invitation to this remarkable lecture and congratulated Dr. Morales on both his insightful presentation and the well-deserved international recognition conferred by JIRCAS.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the inaugural session of the art exhibition “El Susurro del Colibrí: Ecuador Florece en Japón” (“The Whisper of the Hummingbird: Ecuador Blossoms in Japan”), featuring works by renowned Ecuadorian artist José Bastidas. The exhibition was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Japan, with the cooperation of the Municipality of Minato and the Association of Ecuadorians in Japan.

The exhibition was held from October 6 to 12, 2025, at the Gallery of the Takanawa Community Center, located in Minato Ward, Tokyo. It presented a collection of original paintings characterized by vivid colors and dynamic compositions, with the hummingbird as a central motif. In Latin American culture, the hummingbird symbolizes life, energy, harmony, and spiritual connection, serving in this exhibition as a poetic bridge between Ecuadorian cultural identity and Japanese natural sensitivity.

During the opening ceremony, H.E. César Montaño, Ambassador of Ecuador, highlighted the role of art as a universal language capable of fostering dialogue and friendship between nations. The exhibition offered Japanese audiences a valuable opportunity to engage with Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage through contemporary artistic expression.

On this occasion, Dr. Díaz expressed his sincere gratitude to the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan for the kind invitation and congratulated the artist on an exhibition that meaningfully advanced cultural exchange. He emphasized the importance of cultural engagement in reinforcing the bonds between Japan and the Republic of Ecuador.

JAPOLAC remains committed to promoting cultural diversity and artistic creativity from Latin America and the Caribbean in Japan, recognizing the arts as an important instrument for fostering friendship, mutual appreciation, and international understanding.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director JAPOLAC, attended the preview of the art exhibition “Kizuna Tropical”, presented by Salvadoran artist Male Cuellar, which was held on October 4, 2025, at the Embassy of the Republic of El Salvador in Japan.

“Kizuna Tropical” was organized in commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between El Salvador and Japan. The exhibition beautifully highlighted the emotional bond between the warmth and vibrant colors of Salvadoran culture and the symbolic elements of Japanese tradition. Through her works, the artist created a visual dialogue that pays tribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations, building a bridge of mutual respect and cultural affinity.

On this occasion, Dr. Diaz expressed sincere appreciation for the invitation to the exhibition and congratulated the artist on a successful presentation that contributed meaningfully to cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and El Salvador.

JAPOLAC remains firmly dedicated to promoting the cultural diversity and creativity of Latin America and the Caribbean in Japan, recognizing the arts as a powerful vehicle to promote friendship, understanding, and international cooperation.