Date of publication: Oct 29, 2018
Hector Paulino Dominguez Rodriguez
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
- Embassy of the Dominican Republic http://embadomjp.org
Date of birth: July 17, 1956
Hometown: Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 5 (as of October 2018)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
My first encounter with Japan came at a very early age, probably when I was 5–6 years old, when my father bought me a toy for Christmas that was made in Japan. Likewise, when I was a kid, local Dominican TV channels started airing Japanese anime and movies that contributed to shaping my initial perception and image of Japan.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
“Al mal tiempo, buena cara.” This is a Spanish phrase that literally translates into “In bad times, good face.” As we all know, life is not linear and everyone has to deal with adversity on a daily basis. When things get difficult, I believe that keeping a positive attitude will always be more helpful to overcome any challenge.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
My proudest career achievement has been to be able to represent my country and my people at the embassy of the Dominican Republic in Japan. While in this position, I have been part of the current Dominican Republic’s government administration, with President Danilo Medina at the helm, which has propelled the greatest economic, educational, infrastructural and societal transformations in our history.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
During my remaining time in Japan as the ambassador of the Dominican Republic, I will keep working to help increase the economic ties between our two nations. I will also work toward creating greater cooperation in academia, at the cultural level, in sports and all the other productive areas that link our two countries.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
I would encourage all foreigners living in Japan to learn as much as they can from the local customs and traditions, and to be respectful of them. This will put you in a position to succeed in this society. I want to end this interview with an open invitation to all the readers of The Japan Times to visit the Dominican Republic and enjoy our beautiful beaches and heavenly weather, our food, our music and dances, our people and all the great things that we have to offer. Thank you very much.
Last updated: Oct 29, 2018