On October 5, 2026, IYEO and SWYAA International co-hosted a study session at the Embassy of Mexico in Japan for participants of the upcoming SWYAA Global Assembly in November and IYEO members. The event was attended by 17 participants, along with Cabinet Office officials in charge of the Ship for World Youth Program.
First, Mr. Cosme García, in charge of Academic, Scientific, and Technological Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Japan, delivered a presentation covering basic information about Mexico, the history of friendship between Japan and Mexico spanning over 400 years, and the social advancement of women in Mexico.
Through his talk, we learned about the rich history of friendship extending over four centuries and the long-standing diplomatic relations between our two nations for more than 135 years. It was particularly memorable to learn that our interaction began in the Edo period when Japanese locals rescued the crew of a Mexican ship shipwrecked off the coast of Chiba Prefecture, and that observations of the transit of Venus served as a catalyst for establishing official diplomatic ties. We also learned that the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and Mexico was Japan’s first equal treaty signed with a non-Asian country, serving as a crucial milestone that eventually led to the revision of other unequal treaties. The strong and enduring bond between both countries was reflected in the fact that Mexico is the only nation to hold an embassy in Nagatacho—the political heart of Japan—as well as in the speaker’s memorable words: “Japan-Mexico relations have progressed slowly, but surely.”
Additionally, we gained insight into Mexico’s formal institutional framework promoting women’s political participation, where women actively excel in a wide range of positions, including the President, members of parliament, the governor of the central bank, state governors, and diplomats. Learning about a social structure different from Japan’s provided an opportunity to re-examine values we often take for granted.
During the Q&A session, Mr. García answered participants’ questions thoughtfully, making it a valuable occasion to deepen our understanding of Mexico and gain fresh perspectives. Despite Mexico being far from Japan, We are truly looking forward to visiting a country with such deep historical ties and a diverse, rich culture.
We will apply the insights gained at the Embassy to our local activities in Mexico, leveraging our learnings and experiences to contribute to future Japan-Mexico exchanges, foster connections between Japan and the world, and enrich our post-program activities back home.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the Embassy of Mexico in Japan.
written by: Hitomi Mineyama
