Tokyo Embassy Talk:
After 120 Years of Friendship, Panama and Japan Seek Renewed Partnership

Impressions of Tokyo and Panamanians' View of Japan

Before assuming his post in Tokyo in October 2024, Ambassador Cohen had worked with Japanese people at a private company. He felt a sense of familiarity and respect for Japanese culture even before coming to Japan.

"The first thing I noticed when I arrived in Japan was the politeness and warmth of the people. The cultural value of time and mutual respect is naturally rooted in their daily lives."

He also praised Tokyo's cleanliness, urban infrastructure, and safe environment. His favorite Japanese food is sashimi. "I was able to adapt to life here very smoothly since I had long been familiar with Japanese food."

He was also deeply impressed by how Tokyoites take pride in their work, their love of Japanese products, and the culture of pursuing perfection, suggesting that he has come to grasp the spirit of order, diligence, and harmony in Japanese society through his daily life.

Throughout the interview, the ambassador's words show that Tokyo is not just a capital city, but a city with a deep sense of acceptance for diverse cultures and values. It is a place that is easy for international residents to live in and where civil and accomodative exchanges occur naturally between people. This must have been why Ambassador Cohen quickly felt at home in his new surroundings.

Even in Panama, Japan is well respected as a "country of diligence and courtesy," according to him. As a country with both a long history and great innovation, Japan has always been regarded as a model country. In recent years, it has gained further popularity as a tourist destination and visa exemptions have encouraged the flow of people to and from Panama.

120 Years of Diplomatic Relations and Expanding People-to-People Exchange

The year 2024 marked the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Panama and Japan. As part of the commemorative measures, the mutual exemption of short-term visas was introduced, leading to increased interest in traveling to Japan among Panamanians. Panama has become more visible in Japan as well with affluent Panamanians making use of luxury hotels and restaurants.

Meanwhile, Japanese communities have been established in Panama as Japanese companies with a presence in Latin America are expanding into the country using its Multinational Corporation Headquarters System, abbreviated as SEM in Spanish. Rather than letting this exchange between people be a temporary one, the task at hand is to turn it into cultural exchange for the younger generation through scholarships and language learning.

Expanding Business Partnership Through Logistics and Fisheries

The Panama Canal is a linchpin of international logistics and a symbol of the economic relationship between Panama and Japan. Japan is currently the third largest user of the canal, and about 30% of Panamanian-registered ships are operated by Japanese companies.

"Water shortages caused by climate change have become a serious issue in recent years. In collaboration with Japan, we advanced research on the efficient use of water resources and examined measures to reduce water loss by enhancing vegetation along the canal."

Such collaboration has attracted attention as it seeks to balance environmental considerations with sustainable international transportation.

The Mercado de Mariscos (fish market) in Panama City is another result of the cooperation between the two countries. The former dilapidated market was demolished and rebuilt with assistance from Japan. The new facility is sanitary and functional, allowing fishermen to sell their seafood in a better environment.

"Japan has great expertise in the fishery industry, and that knowledge was utilized in rebuilding this market."

Visitors can enjoy strolling around the surrounding area since it has been re-developed with new restaurants, making it a valuable tourist attraction. "After the new market was completed, I myself started to visit it almost once a month until I came to Japan," says the ambassador.

The government of Panama is also focusing on the Rio Indio Lake Project, which aims to create a new water supply and is expected to be one of the pillars of the country's infrastructure and environmental measures going forward.

"Plans are underway to supply water from this important river to make the operation of the canal sustainable. We are in talks with Japanese companies and have high hopes for future technological collaboration."

In addition to infrastructure development, the collaboration is expected to have great significance for environmental conservation and regional development.

Connecting Young People Through Cultural and Educational Exchange

Looking ahead to the future, Panama is also making efforts to promote educational and cultural exchange for young people who will lead the next generation. At present, exchanges centered on language learning and professional human resource development are underway.

"The number of students studying Japanese in Panama is increasing, and interest in Spanish language education is growing in Japan as well. Learning about each other's cultures through language will be the foundation for future cooperation."

In the maritime field, efforts have been made to standardize the certification systems for seafarers between the two countries, creating opportunities for Panamanian students to receive specialized education in Japan. "By linking these opportunities for specialized learning with cultural exchange, we can develop global human resources with both language and technical skills."

Home to many maritime education and research institutes, Tokyo is an important place for Panamanian students to learn. These initiatives are expected to develop into multilayered cooperation, such as student exchange programs, collaboration between educational institutions, and joint research.

Building the Next Stage of Partnership on 120 Years of Trust

Looking back on 120 years of trust and exchange, Ambassador Cohen shares his vision for the future.

"Our mission is to deepen the connections between people and to pass culture and values on to the next generation."

One example is a direct flight between Panama and Japan that is currently under consideration. The direct connection between Panama, the hub of Latin America, and Tokyo, a major city in Asia, is expected to greatly enhance the quality and quantity of exchange between the two countries. "Discussions with relevant organizations are already underway, and although there are challenges, we believe that there is a high possibility of realizing the connection."

The ambassador is also eager to further strengthen ties in the economic field. "I want more Japanese companies and financial institutions to enter Panama, building on existing exchange and creating new forms of business collaboration," he says.

The two countries are connected in various fields such as tourism, economy, education, and logistics. Building on 120 years of progress, Panama and Japan are forging a renewed, forward-looking partnership.

Walter Cohen Uribe

Walter Cohen Uribe assumed his post as Ambassador of Panama to Japan in October 2024. With a wealth of experience in the economic and business fields in the private sector, he has focused on promoting cultural and people-to-people exchange, as well as strengthening economic ties between the two countries. In particular, he has been working to expand collaboration in strategic areas such as the Panama Canal, and to promote educational exchanges for young people who will lead the next generation.