Toru Shimizu: Japan’s New Ambassador to Colombia and His Vision for Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
- Leslie Benítez
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
By: Leslie Benitez, Business Consulting in Japan.
In December 2025, Toru Shimizu officially assumed his duties as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Colombia. His appointment marks the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations, at a time when political dialogue, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between both countries are gaining renewed momentum.
Ambassador Shimizu’s arrival coincides with a particularly dynamic period for Japan–Colombia relations, following high-level bilateral exchanges and growing interest in expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, and cultural exchange. His extensive diplomatic experience in Latin America positions him as a key figure for advancing this agenda.
Diplomatic Career: A Trajectory with a Strong Latin American Focus
Toru Shimizu has built a solid career within Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), which he joined in 1990 after graduating with a degree in Law from Kyoto University. Over more than three decades of diplomatic service, he has held a variety of positions that reflect both his global experience and his specialization in relations with Spanish-speaking countries and Latin American regions.
Among his most notable posts are:
First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
First Secretary and later Counsellor, Embassy of Japan in Brazil
Director in several divisions at MOFA headquarters in Tokyo, including the Public Diplomacy Office and the OECD Affairs Division
Director of the South America Division, Latin America and Caribbean Bureau
Counsellor and Minister at the Embassy of Japan in Mexico, where he consolidated his experience in regional diplomacy
Consul General of Japan in São Paulo, Brazil, prior to his appointment as Ambassador to Colombia
This professional trajectory not only demonstrates his deep understanding of international relations, but also highlights a clear and consistent focus on Latin America. His experience in Mexico and Brazil has provided him with valuable insights into the region’s economic, cultural, and social dynamics—expertise that is particularly relevant to his current diplomatic mission in Colombia.
Activities in Colombia Since His Arrival
Since his arrival in Colombia, Ambassador Shimizu has maintained an active agenda aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and diplomatic ties with government authorities, as well as with private-sector and academic stakeholders. Among his initial activities, the following stand out:
1. Presentation of Credentials
On December 22, 2025, Ambassador Shimizu presented his credentials to Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, formally marking the beginning of his diplomatic mission in the country.
2. Institutional Visit with Allied Diplomats
On January 22, 2026, Ambassador Shimizu paid an official visit to Mr. John McNamara, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States in Colombia. During this meeting, they exchanged views on multilateral relations and cooperation between Japan and the United States in Colombia.
3. Meeting with the National Federation of Coffee Growers
On January 13, 2026, Ambassador Shimizu visited the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) to gain first-hand insight into Colombia’s coffee sector—an emblematic product that has gained growing recognition in the Japanese market—and to discuss opportunities for collaboration and mutual interest.
President Augusto Solano, Colombian Association of Flower Exporters (ASOCOLFLORES) and President Bruce Mac Master of the National Association of Businessmen of Colombia (ANDI).
4. Meetings with Regional Authorities and Business Associations
In his first weeks in office, Ambassador Shimizu also participated in meetings with regional authorities and representatives of key business associations. These encounters highlighted the shared interest in expanding trade ties, investment, and technical and cultural cooperation between Japan and different regions of Colombia.
Overall, the Ambassador’s agenda has emphasized the importance of understanding Colombia’s productive and cultural landscape, as well as building bridges that contribute to solid and sustainable bilateral development.
Diplomatic Priorities and Strategic Vision
Since his initial remarks, Ambassador Shimizu has articulated a strategic vision aimed at deepening bilateral relations beyond traditional exchanges. Based on the current momentum in diplomatic relations, he has emphasized the significant potential to strengthen cooperation in areas such as science and technology, education, culture, trade, and academic exchange.
His mission also coincides with the commemoration of key historical milestones in Japan–Colombia relations:
The 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, to be celebrated in 2028, and
The 100th anniversary of organized Japanese immigration to Colombia, scheduled for 2029.
These milestones present unique opportunities for joint events, cultural programs, and cooperation initiatives that can further strengthen ties between both countries.
The arrival of Toru Shimizu as the new Ambassador of Japan to Colombia represents a renewed stage in bilateral relations, with a strong emphasis on expanding cooperation across multiple fields and responding to the challenges and opportunities of the global and regional context. His experience in Latin American diplomacy—particularly in Mexico and Brazil—combined with an active agenda since his arrival in Bogotá, reflects a pragmatic and collaborative approach to strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties between Japan and Colombia.
With important diplomatic anniversaries on the horizon, Ambassador Shimizu’s work will be key to consolidating a positive and forward-looking agenda that reflects the shared interests of both countries.
References
Embajada del Japón en Colombia. Saludo del Señor Embajador, SHIMIZU Toru (22 dic 2025).
Embajada del Japón en Colombia. Visita del embajador Shimizu al Sr. John McNamara.
Embajada del Japón en Colombia. Visita del Embajador Shimizu a la Federación Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC).
Curriculum Vitae oficial de S. E. Sr. Embajador SHIMIZU Toru (Embajada del Japón en Colombia).
Gobernación del Valle del Cauca. Publicación sobre encuentro con el Embajador Shimizu.
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