“Through Music, We Can Convey Messages and Promote Peace” – Interview with the Ambassador of Nicaragua
MIN-ON: Thank you very much for giving us this invaluable opportunity to interview Your Excellency at your embassy today. Could you share your impressions and memorable experiences during your stay in Japan?
Ambassador H.E. Ms. Sandy Anabell Dávila Sandoval: Thank you very much for this opportunity. I have been here in Japan for three years. I came in early March 2022. Being in Japan has been a wonderful experience, discovering the beauty of the country and its distinguished culture. I am impressed by the combination of modernity and tradition. And of course, the food is absolutely exquisite.
So far, I have enjoyed Japan very much and I think it would be wonderful if I could continue staying here for a longer period.
MIN-ON: So far do you find any cultural similarities between Nicaragua and Japan?
Ambassador: Thank you very much. Yes, indeed. For example, we show much respect for superiors and the elderly. Like the Japanese, we, too, respect the wisdom the elderly and superiors have. We also have a passion for nature. We, too, place importance on appreciating nature. In every home in Nicaragua, one will find plants in the garden and a backyard with many plants. So, it’s very important for us, just like for the Japanese to preserve nature.
Gastronomy is also central to our culture too, and much like in Japan, we cherish the experience of sharing food with others. We believe enjoying food together is a powerful way to strengthen relationships with friends and colleagues at work. So that’s one thing I’ve found similar to Japan. And of course, we love sports too. Baseball is our national sport, and it’s something that’s really popular in Japan as well. So, this is another similarity I have found.
We have our differences, of course, in terms of culture but it is a fact that we share similarities too.
Apart from the similarities between our two countries, there’s something that impacted me very much. I was very impressed by seeing small children in Japan go to school alone.
That really struck me. I was also impressed with how at the end of each class, the children cleaned their classrooms. I was deeply impressed by that.
MIN-ON: What would you like people to know about the beauty and uniqueness of Nicaragua?
Ambassador: Actually, there are differences with Japan. Firstly, Nicaragua is a smaller country than Japan and is a developing country, but despite that, it has many natural beauties.
One can find many volcanoes in Nicaragua, several nature reserves, and paradisiacal beaches. And the truth is that anyone who visits Nicaragua will surely enjoy nature more than anything. In addition, Nicaragua has a more peaceful environment in the sense that one can avoid the hustle and bustle of everyday life like how we say in Nicaragua. I find that in Japan, the pace of life is faster than in Nicaragua.
MIN-ON: What do you think music means to the people of Nicaragua? Also, what do you think about the power of music? Please share your thoughts based on your own experience.
Ambassador: Music is truly a part of our everyday life. It’s the core of our cultural and historical identity—and also of protest. We live with music day in and day out. If you visit Nicaragua, you’ll hear music everywhere. In nearly every home, someone is likely listening to music. It’s a fundamental element of our lives—essential for coexistence, mingling with people, family, friends, and even with those at work. Music lies at the heart of our culture. It’s an integral part of who we are.
As I mentioned, music has always been a fundamental part of our lives, and I believe it has a powerful impact on humanity. Through music, we can convey messages, promote cultural exchange and dialogue, and, above all, foster peace. Music knows no borders, and I believe it plays a vital role in connecting people around the world.
MIN-ON: Could you please kindly share your impression of Min-On’s mission and activities?
Ambassador: I think that Min-On’s Founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, had an impressive vision. We really need more visionaries like Dr. Ikeda to promote peace and culture and to enrichen people’s hearts, as he stated so clearly in his message. I think his vision is truly noble and important.
And in the case of Min-On, I find it impressive that they continue promoting Dr. Ikeda’s vision by preserving the activities he initiated.
I believe his legacy is truly profound. Through music, Japan has had the chance to share its culture with the world, and by inviting talented artists from other countries they were able to introduce different cultures to the Japanese people. This exchange has created meaningful bonds and has enriched everyone involved. I think this is very important. The work Min-On does is really admirable because it continues to promote the causes which Dr. Ikeda worked and strived for.
I am deeply impressed and the truth is that I would like to be able to at some point in the future organize some cultural activity between Nicaragua and Min-On, that will serve to further strengthen the friendship between Japan and Nicaragua.
Thank you very much.
MIN-ON: What do you think about the role of cultural exchange in promoting peace and understanding?
Ambassador: Well, really, the role of music in promoting culture is very important. Because through culture we can definitely connect people just as Dr. Ikeda said and we can connect the hearts of people through music and also promote dialogue and understanding between differing cultures. As I said earlier, we can convey messages through music, enhance friendship, promote cooperation and forge unity through music.
MIN-ON: As this year marks the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nicaragua and Japan, would you kindly share a message with the Japanese people?
Ambassador: Well, we will be celebrating 90 years of friendship between Japan and Nicaragua this year and are very excited and happy about it. We hope to continue strengthening our bonds of friendship with Japan and to be able to celebrate many more years of friendship and mutual cooperation in the future.
And to the Japanese people, I would like to express my greetings and my gratitude on behalf of the people and the government of Nicaragua for the friendship and cooperation that Japan has so generously shown towards Nicaragua. I wish the Japanese people my very best wishes for your continued good health and success in all their endeavors.
I also would like to extend an invitation to them to visit Nicaragua someday and hope they will have the opportunity to experience our country, by seeing the beaches, enjoy nature and all the wonderful things our country has to offer.
It’s not a country as developed as Japan, but it does have a lot of nature which I’m sure they would enjoy very much.
Well, at first, I would like to send my greetings to the Japanese people on behalf of the people and government of Nicaragua, and express my gratitude for their support and solidarity.
I also would like to extend an invitation to the Japanese people to visit Nicaragua to experience Nicaraguan nature, by visiting the many beaches we have and to enjoy a peaceful environment in our country.
Thank you very much and I hope to see you in Nicaragua.
◆ Please enjoy the full interview
Watch the complete interview video here:
◆ Min-On Music Journey: Nicaragua Edition
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Min-On Concert Association
-Music Binds Our Hearts-
