The Pan American Nikkei Association, the English-language name of the Asociación Panamericana Nikkei, is a multi-national, non-governmental organization with membership from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Japan, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela, United States.
In 1981, Mexican Nikkei organized the first convention; and its character was summarized in a slogan: "Let us be better citizens in our continent" (Seamos mejores ciudadanos en nuestro contiente). Delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and the United States joined the Mexican organizers for this initial meeting in Mexico City.
Presidents have a maximum term of two two-year term.
2013-2017 Mr. Arturo Yoshimoto from USA re-elected in 2015
2009-2013 Mr. Noritaka Yano from Brazil
2005-2009 Mr. Felix Kasamatsu from Paraguay
2001-2005 Mr. Kazunori Kosaka from Argentina
1999-2001 Mr. Carlos Kasuga from Mexico
1995-1999 Mr. Luis Sakoda from Peru
1981-1995 Mr. Carlos Kasuga from Mexico
PANA conventions are an opportunity for the nikkei from North and South America to share and discuss issues and events with cultural, historical, political and economic and political consequences which transcend national borders. These formal gatherings foster an exchange of ideas and create a forum for personal interaction with delegates from different countries.
The biennial conventions are intended to helps promotes closer relationships amongst the Nikkei organizations in the Western Hemisphere. PANA convention are planned in alternating locations amongst North, Central and South American countries.
The Conventions of the Association of Pan American Nikkei (COPANI) have enlarged across the span of time:
1981—The 1st convention in Mexico City, Mexico brought together delegates from six countries.
1983—The 2nd convention (COPANI II) was held in Peru.
1985—The 3rd convention (COPANI III) was in Brazil.
1987—The 4th convention (COPANI IV) took place in Argentina.
1989—The 5th assembly (COPANI V) was held in the United States at Los Angeles.
1991—The 6th convention (COPANI VI) was hosted by Paraguay's Nikkei.
1993—The 7th gathering (COPANI VII) in Vancouver, Canada brought together 400 delegates from 11 countries.
1995—The 8th assembly (COPANI VIII) in Lima, Peru.
1997—The 9th convention (COPANI IX) took place in Mexico.
1999—The 10th convention (COPANI X) was held in Chile.
2001—The 11th convention (COPANI XI) was hosted by the United States Nikkei at New York City.
2003—The 12th convention (COPANI XII) was hosted by the Bolivian membership.
2005—The 13th convention (COPANI XIII) in Vancouver, Canada was actively supported by the National Association of Japanese Canadians.
2007—The 14th Convencion Panamericana Nikkei (COPANI XIV) in São Paulo, Brazil was organized in part by Zaidan Hojin Kaigai Nikkeijin Kyokai. Approximately 700 attended.
2009—The 15th Convention(COPANI XV) was held in the city of Montevideo,Uruguay
2011 - The 16th Copani (COPANI XVI) was held in Cancun,Mexico under the leadership of young Nikkeis from Mexico.
2013 - The 17th Copani (COPANI XVII) was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 12–14, 2013. Approximately 500 Attended. Supported by the Centro Nikkei Argentino and a youth staff of approximately 80 young Argentinian Nikkeis.
2015 - The 18th Copani (COPANI XVIII) was held in Domican Republic on August 6–8, 2015. Sponsored by FUNDONI ( Fundacion Dominicana Nikkei - Foundation of the Dominican Nikkei) See www.copani.org [2]
2017 - The 19th Copani (COPANI XIX) will be held in Lima - Peru in 2017
2019 - The 20th Copani (COPANI XX) will be Held in the USA - City to be determined.
