Message from the Chief Representative

Mexico is one of the Latin American countries with which Japan has particularly close historical and cultural ties.
The relationship between our two countries spans more than 400 years, dating back to the arrival in 1609 of the then Governor-General of the Philippines—of Mexican origin—and his delegation in Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture, as well as the arrival in 1614 of the Embassy led by Hasekura Tsunenaga at the port of Acapulco.

Subsequently, in 1888, Japan and Mexico concluded the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation on the basis of full equality. Later, in 1897, the migratory group known as the Enomoto Colony, the first organized Japanese settlement of its kind in Latin America, was established in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico. These events reflect the long-standing friendship that Japan and Mexico have built over time.

Today, more than 1,600 Japanese companies and approximately 80,000 people of Nikkei descent are actively contributing to Mexican society, further strengthening the bilateral relationship in economic, human, and cultural dimensions.

The JICA Office in Mexico has also worked continuously alongside the country since its establishment in March 1973, accumulating more than 50 years of cooperation.

While Mexico has achieved significant economic growth, it also faces complex social challenges, including regional and income disparities, water scarcity associated with climate change, natural disasters such as earthquakes, population aging, and internal migration. These challenges are not unique to Mexico; they are shared issues that many countries, including Japan, are confronting today.

In this context, JICA places great importance on working together with Mexican people and organizations to identify challenges and co-create solutions. We refer to this approach as “co-creation.” By bringing together the knowledge and capacities of governments, local authorities, universities, businesses, and civil society, we believe it is possible to generate initiatives that are more effective and sustainable. Through this co-creation process, JICA seeks to circulate knowledge and innovation with Mexico, sharing them with third countries and bringing valuable lessons back to Japan. In doing so, we aim to contribute to human security and sustainable development at the global level, while also addressing challenges within Japan.

Currently, the Government of Mexico has identified key priorities such as supporting people in vulnerable situations, preparing for population aging, investing in water resources and disaster prevention, and strengthening domestic industry. JICA’s cooperation is aligned with these priorities, with the objective of leveraging and disseminating knowledge generated in Mexico to Latin America and the wider international community. In this process, JICA aspires to play the role of a facilitator, connecting people, knowledge, and resources.

The JICA Office in Mexico will continue working closely with its partners to move forward together in addressing shared challenges.

Respectfully yours,