Japan-Panama Relations
Meeting between Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan and Mrs. Maricel COHEN DE MULINO, First Lady of the Republic of Panama
September 5, 2025
On September 5, commencing at noon for approximately 140 minutes, Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan, welcomed Mrs. Maricel COHEN DE MULINO, First Lady of the Republic of Panama, who was paying a visit to Japan as an official Guest of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Together they experienced ikebana flower arrangement, a Japanese cuisine demonstration, whisking matcha tea, and held a meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows: In addition, on September 3, both spouses visited the "Rainbow House Akashi," a Chuo City intellectual disability support facility. The event was organized by the Embassy of Panama in Japan. They jointly observed the facility's activities and interacted with the users of the facility.
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
- Mrs. Ishiba welcomed the visit of Mrs. Maricel COHEN DE MULINO, the First Lady of the Republic of Panama, and stated that she hopes that the President and Mrs. Mulino's visit to Japan will further promote the friendly relations between the two countries. Mrs. Mulino expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality shown by Mrs. Ishiba.
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
- They experienced ikebana while listening to an explanation of the history and cultural background of the art from an instructor at the Ikebana International Tokyo Founding Chapter which promotes mutual understanding through ikebana. They also experienced a Japanese cuisine demonstration, listening to an explanation by a sushi chef on the techniques used to handle fresh fish and the development of sushi culture in Japan.
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
- While whisking matcha, they enjoyed a pleasant conversation on a variety of topics, including the culture and customs of Japan and Panama, historical ties, food culture, and animal welfare activities.