Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), had the honor of attending the  cultural event “El Salvador Exhibition: Celebrating our National Tree and Natural Wonders”, held at the Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome in Koto Ward, Tokyo. The exhibition took place from April 22 to May 11, 2025, in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between El Salvador and Japan.

Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of El Salvador in Japan, the exhibition showcased the maquilishuat, El Salvador’s national tree, admired for its delicate pink and white blossoms that naturally echo Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. The Yumenoshima Botanical Garden is home to the only maquilishuat specimen in Japan, symbolizing a unique botanical connection between both nations.

In addition to the symbolic significance of the maquilishuat, the exhibition offered a vibrant portrayal of El Salvador’s rich biodiversity, featuring more than 500 species of birds, over 100 varieties of trees, and the country’s distinctive volcanoes and coastal landscapes.

Dr. Diaz extended his warm congratulations to the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Diego Dalton, for the beautifully curated exhibition, which not only celebrated the natural beauty of El Salvador but also reaffirmed the enduring friendship and cultural bonds between El Salvador and Japan. The exhibition serves as a remarkable example of how cultural diplomacy can strengthen mutual understanding and deepen the ties between nations.

Mr. Ajoy Sinha Roy, Senior Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), participated in the lecture titled “Return to Balance and Living Well”, delivered on April 24, 2025 by the Honorable David Choquehuanca Céspedes, Vice President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo.

Mr. Roy attended the event in official representation of JAPOLAC, upon the kind invitation of the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia in Japan. This distinguished lecture formed part of the official program of Vice President Choquehuanca’s visit to Japan, which included meetings with senior Japanese authorities and participation in a range of diplomatic and academic activities.

In his address, the Bolivian Vice President shared a profound reflection on the ancestral philosophy of Living Well, highlighting five key principles for restoring harmony between peoples and Mother Earth: respect for the laws of nature, revaluation of indigenous knowledge, promotion of complementarity, the pursuit of ecological balance, and the construction of a geopolitics centered on collective well-being.

As part of its collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean embassies, JAPOLAC coordinated a tasting event last year featuring the traditional Bolivian dish Picante de Pollo, held at the Embassy of Bolivia in Tokyo in partnership with Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s leading sushi restaurant chains. This dish is currently featured at the Kura Sushi Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, alongside other representative specialties from Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.

One of JAPOLAC’s core missions is to actively support the work of Latin American and Caribbean embassies accredited in Japan, fostering greater awareness, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange between the region and the Japanese public.

Mr. Fredy Armijos, Business Development Advisor of JAPOLAC, participated in the seminar titled “Innovation and Opportunities in the Semiconductor Sector in Costa Rica”, held on April 24, 2025, at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Office in central Tokyo.

Organized by the Embassy of Costa Rica in Japan in collaboration with the IDB Office in Asia, the seminar brought together officials, experts, and business leaders to explore Costa Rica’s positioning in the global semiconductor supply chain. The event opened with remarks by Mr. Taro Seriu, Country Representative of the IDB Office in Asia, followed by a keynote address by Mr. Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, who emphasized the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry to Costa Rica’s economy.

A presentation on the current state of the sector was delivered by the representative from the Trade and Investment Promotion Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica, highlighting Costa Rica’s infrastructure, human capital, and experience in high-tech manufacturing.

A roundtable discussion addressed the key challenges and emerging opportunities within the semiconductor industry, fostering dialogue among public and private sector participants. The session was followed by closing remarks from Mr. Arnoldo André, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, who underscored the strategic importance of international collaboration. The seminar concluded with a networking session, offering a valuable platform for engagement among stakeholders from industry, government, and the diplomatic community.

It is worth highlighting that Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, traveled to San José last year to attend the official launch of Costa Rica’s Semiconductor Industry Roadmap, at the invitation of Minister Manuel Tovar. This milestone event underscored Costa Rica’s strategic vision to position itself as a premier destination for investment in advanced technology and sustainable industry.

JAPOLAC commends Costa Rica’s strong commitment to the development of high-value industries and reaffirms its support in promoting the country’s efforts to advance innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships with Japanese semiconductor companies.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), took part in the special event “A Message to Humanity”, an onboard exhibition co-organized by Peace Boat and the Nobel Peace Center as part of Peace Boat’s global voyage.

Curated in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, this traveling exhibition brings the powerful stories and messages of Nobel Peace Prize laureates to audiences around the world. Of particular significance are the testimonies of Hibakusha—survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—whose voices underscore the urgent need to promote peace and pursue nuclear disarmament in today’s increasingly unstable global landscape.

Dr. Diaz offered his sincere congratulations to the organizers, stating:

“I commend Peace Boat and the Nobel Peace Center for this outstanding initiative, which delivers a powerful message of peace and resilience. The exhibition is a beautifully curated space for reflection, reminding us of the urgent moral responsibility we share in building a more peaceful world.”

JAPOLAC’s participation in this event highlights its close relationship with Peace Boat. In 2024, JAPOLAC supported the commemoration of Peace Boat’s 40th anniversary, further strengthening the bond between the two organizations. Both entities are committed to promoting global peace and intercultural understanding—values that resonate deeply with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

“A Message to Humanity” marks the first collaboration of its kind between Peace Boat and the Nobel Peace Center. The exhibition reflects a shared commitment to peace education and dialogue through storytelling and creative expression, reaching global citizens at each port of call.

JAPOLAC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Peace Boat in advancing international cooperation—especially in a time marked by rising geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, and increasing threats to human dignity.

As part of an educational initiative to promote awareness of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) among Japanese university students, H.E. César Montaño, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Japan, delivered an engaging lecture to more than 40 students at Chiba University.

The event marked the first in a series of diplomatic lectures launched this year by the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC) in collaboration with the Graduate School of Global and Transdisciplinary Studies at Chiba University.

The lecture, titled “Ecuador: A Land of Cultural and Natural Richness”, was conducted in English and aimed at providing Japanese students with practical knowledge of Ecuador’s diverse geography, vibrant cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and contributions to international diplomacy. The lectures are designed in English to immerse students in an international learning environment and broaden their intercultural communication skills.

Students from diverse academic backgrounds—including engineering, liberal arts, law, education, science, and information studies—shared highly positive feedback on the lecture.. Many expressed their fascination with Ecuador’s status as a megadiverse country, highlighting the Ambassador’s discussion of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, and coastal regions. Others expressed interest in Ecuador’s significant contribution to Japan’s food supply, particularly through products such as shrimp, bananas, cacao, and frozen broccoli.

Beyond ecological and economic topics, students appreciated the opportunity to learn about Ecuador’s indigenous traditions, music, and festivals, drawing comparisons with Japan’s own efforts to preserve cultural heritage. Ambassador Montaño’s warm and approachable style left a lasting impression, and many students noted that the lecture deepened their understanding of the role of diplomacy in fostering global cooperation.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting:

“This series of lectures is designed to strengthen collaboration between diplomatic missions and Japanese academic institutions. We are pleased to begin with such an inspiring session from the Ambassador of Ecuador, which certainly will open the door for further academic cooperation between Chiba University and Ecuador universities.”

Looking ahead, JAPOLAC plans to expand the program with future lectures featuring diplomats from across the Latin American and Caribbean region. The initiative reflects JAPOLAC’s ongoing commitment to building bridges of knowledge, friendship, and understanding between Japan and the LAC countries.