Honorary Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation arrives at Panama. 

On November 15th, 2006, Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, Honorary Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, arrived in Panama, invited by H.E. Martín Torrijos Espino, President of the Republic of Panama.

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Diomedes Carles, Deputy Director of Protocol, as well as staff from the Embassy of Japan to Panama, welcomed Dr. Toyoda at the Presidential Room of the Tocumen International Airport, Panama City.

The Toyota Corporation, through its representative company in Panama, Ricardo Pérez S.A., is offering technical cooperation to establish the fourth center of Toyota Technical Education Program, which is an alternative to provide training in automobile mechanics to young Panamanian people.

Currently, a total of 60 young Panamanians study automobile mechanics at specialized workshops organized by the National Institute for Human Development (INADEH, in Spanish) through a cooperation agreement between the company Ricardo Pérez Toyota and INADEH.

The center’s installations in Tocumen are well-equipped with motors and electronic equipment, so that each mechanic that participate in the course dictated by Japanese professors and experts of Toyota representative in Panama, Ricardo Pérez, are able to fix any Toyota-made motor at the local and foreign market.

	Ambassador Martiz and Dr. Toyoda at the Presidential Room at the Tocumen International Airport. At the center, Ambassador Martiz, and at his right, Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and wife, Mrs. Hiroko Toyoda.
H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, welcomes Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, Honorary Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, at his arrival to the Panama International Airport.

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Midori District Community Festival

As part of its promotional activities at the local level, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated in the Midori District Community Festival, on November 11th, 2006. The event took place at Midori District in the prefecture of Saitama, north of Tokyo. On this occasion, our delegation led by Ambassador Martiz was welcomed by Mr. Hisao Shimizu, Major of Midori District.

During the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, expressed his gratitude to the local government authorities for their kind invitation to participate in the said event, which helped residents to learn more about our country.

Embassy’s staff carried out Panamanian traditional dances performances, and also took the opportunity to distribute tourism brochures in Japanese and to exhibit handicrafts. Residents could also taste sweets and Specialty Coffee from Panama.

Ambassador Martiz delivering a speech at the Opening Ceremony	Panama booth

Traditional dances performed by Embassy’s staff

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Latin American Bazaar 2006

On November 2nd, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated at the Latin American Bazaar 2006, organized by the Nippon-Latin-American Ladies' Association. The purpose of this charity activity was to collect funds to improve the life of poor children in Latin America. In the case of Panama, the funds are used to support the child welfare programs carried out by the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Panama, H.E. Mrs. Vivian Fernández de Torrijos.

The Embassy of Panama presented two booths: one for display of Panamanian handicraft, such as "mola" and others; and the other one to taste the exquisite Panamanian Cuisine. In this sense, the said event was an excellent venue to promote Panamanian handicrafts and cuisine for our Diplomatic Mission.

The Latin American Bazaar is held every year and all the Diplomatic Missions from Latin America posted to Tokyo took part, as well as H.I.H. Princess Hitachi, who is the Honorary Chairperson of the Nippon-Latin-American Ladies' Association.

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan is welcoming visitants to Panama booth.	Visitants interested in Panamanian handicrafts exhibited at our booth.

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International Seminar on Maritime Labour Convention

From October 30th to 31st, 2006, the Republic of Panama participated in the International Seminar on Maritime Labour Convention, which was held under the sponsorship of the Ocean Policy Research Foundation (OPRF) of Japan in connection with ASEAN-Japan Seafarers Policy Cooperation, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan and supported by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The Panamanian delegation was comprised by H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Ms. Nyxhari Ardila and Mr. Víctor Almengor, officers from the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), who participated as observers.

The purpose of this seminar was to become aware of the current situation of the member countries of the Asean-Japan Seafarers Policy Cooperation, in order to promote an early ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention. At the event, Ms. Cleopatra Doumbai-Henry, Director for International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization, provided an orientation to the participant countries regarding the best application, adaptation and enforcement of the said Convention.

The seminar focused on issues such as working conditions for seafarers, enrollment contracts, working hours and break time, vacations, shipowners’ liability and social security, Convention enforcement and control through inspections, responsibilities of the flag state and the port state, and so forth.

From left to right, Mr. Víctor Almengor, Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) officer, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Ms. Cleopatra Doumbai-Henry, Director for International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization, and Ms. Nyxhari Ardila, PMA’s officer.

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Embassy of Panama and Embassy of Australia coordinated a seminar for TCAC members

On October 27th, 2006, the Embassy of Panama jointly with the Embassy of Australia coordinated a seminar on the Japanese Prison Law, which was delivered by Mr. Kenichi Matsumura, Specialist of the Prison Service Division of the Correction Bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Japan. The said event was held at the Conference Room of the Embassy of Australia.

The seminar was addressed to Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC)’s members, whose Presidency is currently held by Panama for the period 2006-2007. The TCAC is an organization of the consular and administrative officers at diplomatic missions in Tokyo. Its purpose is to share information and experiences amongst its members, through activities such as working lunches and seminars, which add value to the work of consular and administrative officials.

The lecture was delivered by Mr. Kenji Matsumura, who focused on how the changes in the law will affect non-Japanese detainees, as well as their treatment within the Japanese prisons. Sixty diplomatic officials from thirty accredited embassies based in Tokyo attended the seminar in reference.

Mr. Kenichi Matsumura, Specialist of the Prison Service Division of the Correction Bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Japan, is delivering a lecture to TCAC’s members.

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Panama won 1st prize at Photograph Contest “Japan?! through Diplomats’ Eyes 2006”

On October 26th, 2006, Mr. Alfredo Joel Martiz, son of H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, won the first place at the annual photograph contest “Japan?! through Diplomat Eyes 2006”. The Prize-Awarding ceremony took place at the headquarters of the prestigious jewelry company Mikimoto.

The said photograph contest included all diplomats registered in Japan as well as to their relatives. The event counted on the presence of H.I.H. Princess Takamado and H.E. Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, who is currently the President of the main parliamentary faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and President of the Judges Panel for the contest.

The topic of the contest for this year was “Japan?!”, which encouraged participants to capture unexpected images of Japan. In total, 400 pictures, taken by 48 diplomats representing 29 countries, were examined. Mr. Alfredo Joel Martiz presented the picture titled “Dance of Light and Smoke”.

DANCE OF LIGHT AND SMOKE By Alfredo Joel Martiz “Surprised after looking at the beauty and greatness of the Big Buddha in Kamakura, I started to see how people were gathering around an object with the shape of a sphere. I notice that this element had some holes on it and smoke was coming from the inside, after that I decided to take a closer look to this curious and strange object. What happened after getting near was spectacular, a small and amazing world revealed to me, one where light filtered through small openings to turn into a mystic director of strange shapes, produced by the smoke from the aroma sticks. The inside of this element turned itself into the stage for the dance of light and smoke.”

Mr. Alfredo Joel Martiz is receiving the First Prize certificate from H.E. Nobutaka Machimura, current President of the main parliamentary faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and President of the Judges Panel for the contest. At the right side, H.I.H. Princess Takamado.

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Sagamihara International Children Festival

As part of its promotional activities at the local level, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated in the Sagamihara International Children Festival, on October 22nd, 2006. The event took place at the city of Sagamihara in the prefecture of Kanagawa, south of Tokyo.

During the festival, the Embassy of Panama prepared an exhibition booth, where several items used by Panamanian children were shown, including games, so that Japanese children had the opportunity to learn about the Panamanian children entertainment. In addition, a video on a Panamanian style birthday celebration was shown, where the “piñata”, a decorated carton box full of candies, strongly captured the attention of Japanese children.

On this occasion, the Embassy prepared a presentation on several aspects of Panama, including history, culture, cuisine, the Panama Canal, and so forth. Embassy’s staff distributed tourism information to visitors, as well.

Staff of the Embassy of Panama showing to the Japanese children items such as games used by Panamanian children.

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Miss International Beauty Pageant in China 2006 & Miss International Japan 2007

On October 15th, 2006, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, participated as a member of the judges panel to select Miss Japan for the beauty contest Miss International, which was organized by the International Cultural Association (ICA). The event took place at the Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo.

During the event, Hisako Shirata was selected as Miss Japan to represent her country at the contest Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007, which will take place in Japan. Also, delegates from all over the world, including Miss Panama Mayte Sánchez, participated in a national costume contest. All delegates will be heading to China, where Miss International Beauty Pageant 2006 will be held.

First from the right, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, with members of the judges panel and Miss Thailand and Miss Puerto Rico. First from the left side on his knees, Mr. Hirofumi Hashimoto, Executive Director of the International Culture Association and Administrative Chairman of Miss International Beauty Pageant. Standing from the left side, Mrs. Kazuko Siazon, Wife of the Ambassador of Philippines, and at her right, Mrs. Dahlia Badr, Wife of the Ambassador of Egypt.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, with Ms. Hisako Shirata, Miss International Japan, who will represent Japan at Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007.	Ms. Mayte Sánchez, Miss Panama for Miss International Beauty Pageant 2006.

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Lecture at Midori District, Saitama

On September 30th, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and the diplomatic staff of the Mission carried out a presentation on Panama to an audience comprised by 210 citizens of Midori district, Saitama Prefecture, located one hour north of Tokyo. Ambassador Martiz and Embassy’s staff were welcomed by Mr. Hisao Shimizu, Major of Midori District, and other residents of the district.

Ambassador Martiz carried out a lecture on several features of Panama, including history, economy, the Panama Canal and tourism attractions. Afterwards, Mrs. Dianick de Serizawa, Cultural Attaché of this Diplomatic Mission, talked about Panamanian traditional costumes named “pollera” and “montuno”, as well as Panamanian cuisine. Embassy’s staff took the opportunity to provide tourism information in Japanese to attendees.

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, is delivering a lecture on history, economy, the Panama Canal and tourism attractions.	Mrs. Dianick de Serizawa, Cultural Attaché, talked about Panamanian traditional costumes named “pollera” and “montuno” and Panamanian cuisine.

Audience comprised by 210 citizens of Midori District

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Panamanian Delegation at WBA Convention in Tokyo

From September 25th to 29th, 2006, a Panamanian delegation comprised of Mr. José Oliver Gómez, Mr. Gustavo Padilla, Mr. Aurelio Fiengo, Mr. Guillermo Pérez Pineda and Dr. Winston Grenald, participated in the 85th Annual Convention of World Boxing Association (WBA), which was held in Tokyo.

During the Convention, Mr. Gustavo Padilla carried out a presentation on Arbitration Procedure and Practical Situations in the Ring, while Dr. Winston Grenald delivered a lecture on Maxillofacial Trauma Lesions. Both presentations were widely praised by representatives of several countries.

The event provides a good opportunity to strengthen the ties between Panama and the World Boxing Association, especially with the Japanese boxing community.

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, joined the delegation and took the opportunity to praise the presentations carried out by the Panamanian representatives, which put a high mark on Panama during the said convention.

From left to right, Mr. José Oliver Gómez, President of WBA World Classifications Committee, Mrs. Gladys de Fiengo, Panama Delegate, Mr. Gustavo Padilla, International Referee, Dr. Gilberto Mendoza, WBA President, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Aurelio Fiengo, Fedelatin President, Mr. Guillermo Pérez Pineda, International Referee, Mrs. Tzvetana de Grenald, Panama Delegate, and  and Dr. Winston Grenald, WBA Medical Doctor.

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JATA World Travel Fair 2006

The Embassy of the Republic of Panama, with the support of the Panama Institute of Tourism (IPAT in Spanish), participated, for the second time, in the JATA World Travel Fair, organized by the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), from September 22-24, 2006 at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center.

The Panama booth included an exhibition of posters and pictures, emphasizing cultural and ecological tourism, since Japanese travelers have a strong preference to visit ancient cultures around the world, as well as fauna and flora.

In addition to posters, the Panama booth exhibited molas (textiles appliqué made by Kuna Indians), and provided brochures in Japanese about general information of our country, especially on indigenous groups, ecotourism, world heritage and historical sites, shopping and Panama as a retirement paradise. Video and PowerPoint presentations on the Panama Canal and different provinces were also shown. The Embassy of Panama took the opportunity to offer Panamanian Specialty Coffee among tour operators that visited our booth.

Jata World Travel Fair is the largest tourism fair in the Asian region with over 700 exhibition booths, attracting tour operators, airlines and hotels from 131 countries and 106,000 visitors in three days.

It is important to mention that H.E. Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez, Minister for Panama Canal Affairs, stopped by the Panama booth at JATA Fair, while on an official visit to Tokyo, where he was participating as a panelist at the Latin America and Asia Private Sector Forum organized by the Inter-American Development Bank.

JATA World Travel Fair provides Panama an excellent opportunity to introduce its attractions directly to the Japan Association of Travel Agents, which is comprised by main Japanese tour operators.

	From left to right side, Mr. Ritter Díaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama to Japan, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and  H.E. Dr. Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez, Minister for Panama Canal Affairs. In the center of the picture and wearing the traditional costume “Montuno”, Mrs. Dianick de Serizawa, Tourism Attaché.
	Visitors at our booth in JATA

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Government of the Republic of Panama Decorated Chairman of Mitsubishi Corporation

On September 4th, 2006, the Government of the Republic of Panama decorated Mr. Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Corporation, with the Manuel Amador Guerrero National Order in recognition for his efforts to deepen the economic and commercial ties between Japan and the Republic of Panama.

Mr. Sasaki is also Chairman and Founder of Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee, which is composed by approximately 100 Japanese companies interested in business, investment and trade opportunities in Panama. In addition, Mr. Sasaki is a prestigious member of the Advisory Board to the Panama Canal. Moreover, he presides over the Committee on Latin America of Japan Business Federation (Keidanren).

From left to right, Mr. Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Corporation, H.E. Dr Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, Ambassador of Japan to Panama, at Tocumen International Airport, Panama, upon arrival.

From left to right, H.E. Alejandro Ferrer, Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Dr Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, H.E. Martin Torrijos Espino, President of the Republic of Panama, H.E. Samuel Lewis Navarro, First Vice President and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Corporation, and H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, Ambassador of Japan to Panama.

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