JAPOLAC Representative Director Participates in Cuba’s National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka
At the invitation of the Embassy of Cuba, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the National Day of the Republic of Cuba at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Dr. Díaz attended the National Day ceremony held on July 25, 2025, at the Expo’s National Day Hall, “Ray Garden.”The ceremony was presided over by Cuba’s Vice Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz, together with Mr. Kato Akiyoshi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), who delivered the Government of Japan’s address.
The Cuba Pavilion is organized by the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, with Ambassador Gisela García serving as Commissioner General. Cuba participates under the Expo sub-theme “Saving Lives,” highlighting contributions in health, science and innovation, culture, and solidarity, while promoting business and investment opportunities with Japan and the wider Asia–Pacific. On the eve of National Day, the Cuban side hosted an interactive business panel to present investment and collaboration opportunities.
Expo 2025 Osaka’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” a call for countries, companies, and citizens to co-create practical solutions that improve everyday living. Framed by three sub-themes—Saving Lives (health, safety, resilience), Empowering Lives (opportunity, inclusion, prosperity), and Connecting Lives (culture, community, mobility)—the Expo functions as a “People’s Living Lab,” turning pavilions and programs into testbeds for ideas on healthcare and aging, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, with the aim of scaling successful models beyond the site.
Last year, JAPOLAC successfully coordinated a series of food tastings at various Latin American and Caribbean embassies in collaboration with Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s most renowned sushi restaurant chains. Thanks to this initiative, Kura Sushi is serving vibrant and diverse flavors of LAC cuisine at its pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, including Cuba’s popular dish “Ropa Vieja” (shredded beef).
Dr. Díaz expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Gisela García for the kind invitation and reiterated JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the promotion of Cuban culture in Japan.
