On August 3, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), participated in the opening reception of the photographic exhibition “The Soul of Panama Coffee Farms,” organized by the Embassy of Panama in Japan at JICA Global Plaza in Tokyo.

During the opening reception, Dr. Díaz expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Zaradeeth Del Real Tam, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Panama in Japan, for the kind invitation and congratulated the Embassy of Panama on promoting an initiative that brings Panama’s coffee culture and the people behind it closer to the Japanese public.

The exhibition, which ran from August 3 to 15, 2026, featured the work of Japanese photographer Satoko Nishioka and was organized in cooperation with the Panama Tourism Authority and with the support of JICA’s Latin America and Caribbean Department. Through photography, it presents the landscapes, producers, and traditions of Panama’s coffee-growing regions, while highlighting varieties such as Geisha, Catuai, Caturra, and Typica. It also showcases sustainable production practices and the combination of tradition and innovation that characterizes Panama’s specialty coffee industry.

The exhibition also provides an opportunity to showcase one of Panama’s most internationally recognized agricultural products. Panamanian specialty coffee, particularly Geisha coffee, holds a prestigious position in high-end international markets and is renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profile. In 2025, a washed Geisha from Panama’s Hacienda La Esmeralda achieved a record price of US$30,204 per kilogram at the Best of Panama auction, demonstrating the extraordinary value that the finest Panamanian coffees can command in the global specialty coffee market.

JAPOLAC welcomes initiatives such as “The Soul of Panama Coffee Farms,” which use culture, photography, and distinctive national products to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the ties between Panama and Japan.

Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of meeting many distinguished entrepreneurs. Some have built highly successful companies; others have accumulated great wealth. Yet only a select few leave behind a legacy that transcends business and genuinely enriches society. Kiyoshi Kimura, President of Kiyomura Corporation and founder of Sushi Zanmai, belongs to this rare and inspiring group of leaders who believe that the true purpose of business is not merely to generate profits or satisfy investors, but to improve people’s lives, create happiness, and contribute to the well-being of society.

Although he is internationally recognized as the “Tuna King” for his record-breaking purchases at Tokyo’s renowned tuna auctions, that title captures only a small part of who he truly is. Behind the celebrated businessman stands a man of profound humanity whose philosophy is rooted in friendship, generosity, human development, international cooperation, and the conviction that commerce can become one of the world’s most effective instruments for peace.

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On July 27, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), attended the reception commemorating the 205th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Peru, hosted by the Embassy of Peru in Japan at a prestigious Tokyo hotel.

The reception brought together senior Japanese government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business community, academics, and members of the Peruvian community in Japan to celebrate Peru’s National Day and reaffirm the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Peru and Japan.

Representing the Government of Japan, Dr. Ayano Kunimitsu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered congratulatory remarks in which she described Peru as Japan’s longest-standing diplomatic partner in Latin America and emphasized that the two countries are strategic partners that share common values and principles. She also highlighted the important contribution of the approximately 200,000 members of the Nikkei community in Peru, recognizing them as a vital bridge that continues to strengthen bilateral relations.

During the reception, H.E. Mr. Francisco Tenya Hasegawa, Ambassador of Peru to Japan, welcomed the distinguished guests and reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation with Japan in a wide range of fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure, education, and cultural exchange.

On behalf of JAPOLAC, Dr. Ritter Diaz conveyed his congratulations to Ambassador Tenya Hasegawa on the occasion of Peru’s National Day and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting the Embassy of Peru’s initiatives to promote Peruvian culture and strengthen mutual understanding between Peru and Japan.

Peru and Japan continue to enjoy one of the most dynamic and enduring bilateral relationships between Asia and Latin America. Current priorities include the implementation of the Peru–Japan Roadmap 2024–2033, the expansion of economic cooperation, growing Japanese interest in Peru’s logistics and critical minerals sectors, and enhanced collaboration in education, food security, science, technology, and cultural exchange.

One of JAPOLAC’s principal objectives is to support the activities of the embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean accredited in Japan by promoting greater awareness and understanding of the region among the Japanese public through educational, cultural, academic, and business initiatives that strengthen the longstanding ties between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

On July 15, representatives of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC) paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Kiyoshi Kimura, President of Kiyomura Corporation and Honorary Director of JAPOLAC, to provide an update on the Association’s recent activities and its future initiatives.

Representing JAPOLAC were Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director; Mr. Ajoy Sinha Roy, Senior Director; Mr. Fredy Armijos, Director for Business Promotion; and Ms. Sandra Takayama, Cultural Event Advisor.

Dr. Díaz expressed the Association’s sincere appreciation for Mr. Kimura’s longstanding support as Honorary Director and reiterated his congratulations on Mr. Kimura’s recent appointment as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Morocco in Chiba Prefecture, as well as on Kiyomura Corporation’s Guinness World Record for purchasing the most expensive bluefin tuna ever sold at auction at Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market. Dr. Díaz noted that both achievements reflect Mr. Kimura’s international reputation and his outstanding contribution to promoting Japanese cuisine and strengthening Japan’s international ties.

Dr. Díaz then presented an overview of JAPOLAC’s principal accomplishments over the past two years. Among the highlights were the successful organization of the First Ecuador Festival in Japan, the expansion of academic cooperation through the Diplomatic Lecture Series at Chiba University, and the implementation of collaborative online programs between Chiba University and partner institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the University of Technology, Jamaica, the Technological University of Panama, and the University of Santiago, Chile.

He also reported on JAPOLAC’s efforts to promote premium Latin American products in Japan, including cacao and superfood-based snacks, as well as the development of new tourism cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition, Dr. Díaz outlined the Association’s institutional strengthening efforts, including the appointment of new directors, and explained the diplomatic briefing program designed for ambassadors of Latin American and Caribbean countries accredited to Japan.

Looking ahead, he mentioned JAPOLAC’s plans to organize a series of lectures on Japan for ambassadors from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the future Latin America and Caribbean Festival, which would include the participation of the embassies of the region.

The meeting concluded in a warm and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the strong friendship between Mr. Kimura and JAPOLAC and their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

On July 9, 2026, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended the reception commemorating the 215th Anniversary of the Independence of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, hosted by the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Japan.

This year’s celebration in Tokyo carried a particularly solemn significance. While commemorating one of the defining milestones in Venezuela’s national history, the event also served as a tribute to the thousands of victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, bringing together representatives of the Government of Japan, the diplomatic corps, the business community, academia, and friendship organizations in a demonstration of solidarity with the Government and people of Venezuela.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Japan, emphasized that this year’s National Day was observed in a spirit of both remembrance and resilience. Recalling Venezuela’s historic struggle for independence, Ambassador Ishikawa paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the earthquakes, expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and praised the courage, solidarity, and determination demonstrated by the Venezuelan people and institutions throughout the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Ambassador Ishikawa also expressed his profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their prompt humanitarian assistance, highlighting the deployment of the Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team, the support provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the valuable contributions of Japanese institutions, companies, non-governmental organizations, and countless private citizens who have extended assistance to the affected communities.

Representing the Government of Japan, Mr. Iwao Horii, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, conveyed Japan’s deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Government and people of Venezuela. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Venezuela’s recovery efforts, noting that Japan has never forgotten the solidarity extended by Venezuela following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. He also expressed his confidence that Venezuela would overcome the current tragedy through the resilience of its people and the support of the international community.

The ceremony included a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the earthquakes, transforming the commemoration into not only a celebration of Venezuela’s independence but also a solemn expression of friendship, compassion, and international solidarity.

On behalf of JAPOLAC, Dr. Ritter Diaz conveyed his warm congratulations to H.E. Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa and to the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the occasion of the 215th Anniversary of the nation’s independence. He also expressed his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela and reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s solidarity during this difficult time. JAPOLAC joins in honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the recent earthquakes and offers its sincere prayers for the peaceful repose of their souls. The Association further expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and all those affected, while conveying its sincere hope for Venezuela’s swift recovery and reconstruction.