Japan is willing to cooperate with the Azores in several areas, including volcanology, in which the Japanese have vast experience.
Ambassador Ota Makoto visited the Azores and met with the Vice-President of the Regional Government in Angra do Heroísmo, at the Palace of the Captains General, on August 2nd.
According to Artur Lima, the Japanese diplomat showed great interest in cooperation programs related to science and technology, wanting to get to know the installed potential and science institutes and parks in the Azores, including the university.
Because of Ota Makoto’s willingness, the vice-presidency of the Regional Government should soon send the embassy information on Azorean entities working in science and technology that could meet the requirements for cooperation in the areas in which Japan is willing.

EXPO OSAKA
Expo 2025 Osaka will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, bringing together countries from all over the world to share innovations, cultures, and visions for the future, according to the event’s promotion.
Ambassador Ota Makoto and Artur Lima spoke about the participation of the Azores, which will be part of the Portuguese pavilion coordinated by AICEP – Agência para o Investimento e Comércio Externo de Portuga.
The diploma emphasized that the Azores will have three special days at the event, which, Artur Lima told DI, will be used to promote the region and its potential.
The ocean will be one of the Azores’ focuses, while the others are being evaluated.
“Ocean – Blue Dialogue” will be the theme of the Portuguese Pavilion, which will highlight the importance of the ocean and sustainability.
Portugal is thus aligned with the general theme of Expo 2025, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
The Azores’ potential in the area of the oceans is increasingly evident, both in terms of water potential and the seabed and its riches.
The expansion of the maritime platform, which is expected soon, will guarantee the Azores a huge marine area and allow access to valuable resources on the seabed, as Admiral Silva Ribeiro, former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, has already explained.
The Azores’ participation in the Osaka exhibition could serve as a platform for projecting Azorean interests in the sea and in other sectors capable of boosting a thriving economy on the islands, which remain unexploited or handed over for exploitation without any compensation for the Azoreans.
Artur Lima told DI that the details of the Azorean participation are not yet known.

in Diário Insular, José Lourenço-director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.