Melba Pria, Ambassador of Mexico to Japan

2026.01.09

■Mexican United States
Mexico is a federal republic (United States) country located in southern North America. Its capital is Mexico City. Its area is 196 million square kilometers, about five times the size of Japan. Its population is approximately 2,601 million, almost the same as Japan's. The official language is Spanish, and the currency is the Mexican peso. Mexico and Japan have traditionally had friendly relations, with exchanges dating back more than 400 years. In 2024, Sheinbaum will become Mexico's first female president.

■Melba Pria, Ambassador of Mexico to Japan

Born in Mexico City, he majored in sociology and holds a Master's degree in public policy and international studies, as well as a qualification in national security. He has studied both domestically and internationally, and has published extensively on diversity and public policy. He has served as Mexico's Ambassador to Japan since 2019.

▼Reasons for becoming an ambassador

I've dreamed of becoming an ambassador since I was seven or eight years old. Apparently, I was watching a movie and saw a woman speaking about world peace at the United Nations, and after seeing that, I told my mother, "I'm going to be an ambassador!" I majored in sociology at university and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the age of 21. I was posted to Israel for the first time, and there I realized once again the importance of studying sociology in addition to international relations. International relations alone is not enough to understand a country's state; you need all perspectives, including economics, history, and culture. Diplomacy is not just about representing a country, but also about making an effort to understand people.

▼About Mexican culture

Mexico is about five times the size of Japan, and each region has a rich history and culture. Mexico City has been the center of our country for five centuries. The city is home to pyramids, and every era of Mexican history is condensed into it. It is a very interesting city, with a diverse range of architectural styles coexisting, from Aztec temples to skyscrapers.
If you love the ocean and beaches, we recommend Cancun. Different indigenous traditions are passed down in each region, such as the Aztec tradition around Mexico City and the Mayan tradition around Cancun. In addition to Spanish, some regions have schools that teach indigenous languages, so diverse languages and cultures still thrive.
Tacos are a famous Mexican dish, but the ingredients of the main ingredient, the tortilla, vary depending on the region. Generally, wheat flour is used in the north, while corn is used in the south, and the food culture is very diverse.

▼Connections between Japan and Mexico

There is a program called the Japan-Mexico Strategic Global Partnership Training Program that has been running for over 50 years. Japanese students can study in Mexico for around 10 months, learning Spanish, Mexican culture, and a variety of specialized fields. There are also over 300 international exchange agreements between universities and research institutions in both countries, and a Japan-Mexico University Presidents' Conference is held every two years.
As you can see, Japan and Mexico are connected in many different ways, and they are bound by strong ties. My role is to get more Japanese people interested in Mexico, and more Mexicans interested in Japan. By doing so, the ties will become even stronger, and I believe I can be a part of that chain.

▼What I want to say to Japanese students

Be curious about the world around you. It will teach you things you can't learn from books. The world needs you. Cherish your connections with others and enjoy your university life. Study hard and play hard.

Interview with Student Newspaper Online on October 6, 2025 by Shimada Takakazu, third-year student at Hosei University

■Special information recommended by the ambassador!!

Each region in Mexico has its own unique characteristics, but today we'll be introducing one of them, the state of Oaxaca. Oaxaca is known for its rich natural and cultural resources, and the gorgeous embroidery of the "Tehuana," the traditional clothing of the Zapotec people living in the south, is a must-see. We also recommend the "Lele" dolls, which originated in Amealco, Queretaro, as souvenirs. While adorable, they also symbolize diverse ethnic cultures and help preserve them.

Kosuke Maeda, second-year student at Komazawa University / Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University / Minami Yoshikawa, fourth-year student at Sophia University / Takakazu Shimada, third-year student at Hosei University