(Anniversary special) Independence Day Five countries boast great potential in many areas

The Central American countries of Costa extended to related sectors, such as Central America offers the experience Rica, , Guatemala, Honduras transportation, craft production, tele- of a diverse and complementary multi- and Nicaragua commemorate 196 years communications, , fuels and general destination trip where travelers find a of independence, declared on Sept. 15, services among others. With this, tourism combination of attractions, services, and 1821. activities are also sources of revenue for interconnectivity that will enrich their Throughout their history, the five governments. journey. countries have strengthened their numer- It is important to note that in the Cen- Together with the enormous potential ous bonds overcoming times of armed tral American countries, regional tourism of the five countries, there are efforts to conflict in several Central American has been identified among the economic be made and scourges to fight against that countries, while also building peace and activities with the greatest advantages still persist in many other fields related to economic integration, together with the for the region to be an active player in sustainable development and consolida- friendly countries of Panama and the the global economy, through the services tion of the integration. The five countries Dominican Republic, to form the Central that can be included in commercial agree- achieved their independence at the same American Integration System. Today, we ments. The basis to that assertion is our time and our bonds are strengthened are a region of peace, freedom, democracy geographic position as a bridge between every day to achieve the common goals. and development. North and South America and the Pacific This year is also the commemoration Manuel Antonio Beach, located in the southwest of Costa Rica, consists This year we want to share with the and Atlantic oceans that is strategic to cre- of 82 years of diplomatic relations with of three adjacent white sand beaches and is the most visited due to its readers of The Japan Times one of our ate links between different cultures and Japan, the people and government of scenic beauty. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF COSTA RICA shared principles, namely that of sustain- languages, ecological diversity, unique which have been crucial for social and able tourism as a way to strengthen the environmental resources and stable cli- economic development through financial links between Japan and our countries. matic conditions throughout the year. and technical cooperation, having had Our five Central American countries Most important, the region includes the a strong impact in the five countries, in Guatemala’s valleys, mountains and forests offer perfect places and have adopted sustainable tourism devel- Mayan world. areas such as education, health, disaster natural attractions for outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking, opment policies as an engine of eco- Visiting Central America is an immer- management and infrastructure, among providing a chance to see incredible scenery. v isitguaTEMAla INGUAT nomic and social development, taking sion into a myriad of tourist and cultural others. into account the countries’ comparative activities offered in each country, where We are committed to work together advantages. Sustainable tourism effec- visitors can discover the mysteries of with Japan for the peace of the world, tively contributes to the generation of ancient cultures, UNESCO’s World Heri- the achievement of the U.N.’s Sustainable employment, incorporating young peo- tage sites, architectonic colonial legacy, Development Goals and the strength- ple, women and the elderly in produc- intense colorful motifs of their hand- ening of the friendship between our tive activities. Other advantages are the woven clothes, traditional dances and peoples. creation of decent work, protection of the culinary experiences. All of this can be environment and our cultural heritage, combined with virgin beaches, crystal- Guatemala Ambassador Angela Maria while strengthening the national identi- line waters, water sports such as surfing Chavez Bietti wrote this article on behalf ties of our countries. and fishing, jungles and majestic volca- of the chiefs of missions of the republics of The beaches of El Salvador: paradise for avid surfers, with enough Another relevant aspect is that the noes, adventure sports, mountain climb- Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, waves for everyone. Tourists can also enjoy the Salvadoran and benefits of this economic activity are ing, rafting or skiing on volcanic sands. Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. hospitality. ministry of tourism, el Salvador

Congratulations Congratulations to the People of to the People of The national bird of Honduras, scarlet macaws live out their days Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, freely among the Maya — a timeless bond between a culture and bird Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, that cannot be broken. MARCA HONDURAS Honduras and Nicaragua Honduras and Nicaragua on the 196th Anniversary on the 196th Anniversary of Their Independence of Their Independence

Takeshige Ogawa Honorary Consul of the Republic of Guatemala in Yokohama and Group Representative

www.yazaki-group.com

Arnecom de El Salvador S.A. de C.V. BROOK’S Co., Ltd. Importer, Roaster and Seller of Yazaki de Nicaragua S.A. El Gueguense is a satirical drama and was the first literary work of post- Columbian Nicaragua. It is regarded as one of Latin America’s most distinctive colonial-era expressions and is Nicaragua’s signature folklore. NICARAGUA

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