From September 23 to October 1, 2023, Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, took part as a guest lecturer at the renowned International Career Seminar (ICS) hosted by Utsunomiya University.

The core objective of the ICS is to equip students with a practical global perspective that is essential for the pursuit of international careers. The seminar places a strong emphasis on pivotal concepts such as “Globalization” and “Glocalization,” highlighting the ever-increasing relevance of global issues within local communities.

Dr. Diaz delivered a presentation titled “Advising Foreign Exporters into the Japanese Market” to an attentive audience composed of students from Utsunomiya University, the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS, Malaysia). This carefully crafted lecture aimed to provide students with practical insights, ensuring their preparedness for a successful journey in the realm of international business.

One notable feature of the ICS is its use of English as the primary medium of instruction, offering students a unique opportunity to engage in international discussions with foreign professors, lecturers, and peers. At the end of the seminar, the group of students under the guidance of Dr. Diaz, carried out a presentation of two products for introduction into the Japanese market, thus gaining firsthand practical experience in the dynamics of international business.

Dr. Ritter Diaz’s contribution to the ICS exemplifies the commitment of JAPOLAC to fostering international communication and equipping future professionals with the skills necessary to excel in the global arena. The collaboration between JAPOLAC and Utsunomiya University serves to support international education, offering students a good opportunity to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

On September 26th, the closing ceremony of the fifth short online program delivered by Panama Technological University to students of Chiba University took place, under the coordination of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the closing ceremony Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended his congratulations to the administration and professors of Panama Technological University, as well as to the students, professors, and staff at Chiba University for the successful completion of the program.

Dr. Diaz emphasized that digital education is no longer merely a response to temporary challenges accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic; it has evolved into a permanent dimension in education, both locally and internationally, enabling universities, professors, and students to conduct their academic activities in a more cost-efficient manner.

The closing ceremony also counted on the distinguished presence of His Excellency Carlos Pere, Ambassador of Panama to Japan; His Excellency Hideo Fukushima, Ambassador of Japan to Panama; Honorable Margelia Palacios, Deputy Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama; Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice-President for Education at Chiba University; and Mrs. Mabel Del Cid, Director of International Relations at Panama Technological University, representing Dr. Omar Aizpurua, President of the university.

JAPOLAC coordinated an online meeting on September 14 between the Embassy of Panama to Japan, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, and the Panama National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (INMFRE).

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce Niigata University of Health and Welfare (NUHW) to the Embassy of Panama in preparation for an upcoming educational visit by specialists from the Panama National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (INMFRE) as part of the Sakura Science program. Additionally, the meeting aimed to foster a closer relationship between the Embassy and NUHW to facilitate future academic cooperation between Japan and Panama in the field of health.

Under the hosting and supervision of NUHW, four Panamanian specialists from INMFRE will participate in a 7-day seminar on “Japan’s Approach to Aging,” which will include a tour of private and public facilities near the University. Participants will also share their knowledge and experience regarding “Initiatives for the Elderly in Panama.”

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, expressed gratitude to the three participating institutions, emphasizing that this collaboration represents a significant step towards promoting academic, research, and professional exchanges between Japan and Panama.

This initiative aligns with JAPOLAC’s objectives of promoting practical exchanges between Japan and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in areas crucial for human development, such as healthcare.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Carlos Pere, Ambassador of Panama; Dr. Masatoyo Nishizawa, President of NUHW; Dr. Mineo Oyama, Vice President for Education of the university; Dr. Masayoshi Kubo, Director of the International Center; Dr. Gladys Rumbo, Director of INMFRE; and four specialists from the institute who will soon be travelling to Japan.

On September 4th, the second short online program, organized collaboratively by the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Chiba University, was successfully implemented as part of the University Internationalization Program initiated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

This three-week synchronous online program is designed for 24 Japanese students and is conducted entirely in English. It offers a compact exploration of various facets, including an introduction to Jamaica’s rich history, geography, and culture, a course on Jamaica’s energy sector, and an examination of Jamaica’s ecology and its response to climate change. Additionally, the program featured a dedicated segment for fostering cultural exchange and interaction between Japanese and Jamaican university students.

The opening ceremony, moderated by the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, was honored with the distinguished presence Mr. Sherdon Baugh, Charge d’Affairs, a.i. of the Embassy of Jamaica, who extended warm greetings on behalf of the Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice President for Education of Chiba University, and Dr. Claire Sutherland, Senior Director of International and Institutional Linkages at the Office of the President, University of Technology, Jamaica.

During his welcoming remarks, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Director Representative of JAPOLAC, highlighted that following the success of the first online program, Chiba University and the University of Technology, Jamaica managed to finalize an academic exchange agreement, and are currently in discussions to establish a student exchange agreement. Both agreements will contribute to expand academic and research collaboration between both institutions.

JAPOLAC’s short online programs are designed to provide practical knowledge about Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC) to Japanese university students. These programs seek to encourage students to explore and engage with the LAC region through educational pursuits and on-site experiences.

On July 27, Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, delivered a lecture at the Sensitization Session for FOODEX 2024. The session was organized by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporter Association (JMEA) in collaboration with the Embassy of Jamaica in Japan.

The primary objective of this informative session was to equip Jamaican exporters and relevant
government agencies with essential insights into the Japan 49th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX 2024), the Japanese market, and the potential benefits it offers.

During his presentation, Dr. Diaz shed light on key aspects of the Japanese consumer behavior, the Japanese market dynamics, and the intricacies of the import system. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of government's support for Jamaican export companies and explained JAPOLAC’s role in facilitating business collaborations between Japanese and Latin America and Caribbean companies.

A notable addition to the session was the participation of a representative from the Japan Management Association, the organizer of FOODEX 2024, who provided an overview of the upcoming exhibition.

This event garnered the enthusiastic participation from over 30 export companies from
Jamaica.

The Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, H.E. Shorna-Kay Richards, and representatives from Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) were also in attendance, making it a truly engaging and interactive gathering.