Quietly and with little fanfare, Japan is celebrating the 100th anniversary this year of state-to-state contact with Cuba.
On May 20, 1902, the Cuban republic was founded with Tomas Estrada Palma as its first president. Three-and-a-half years earlier, the country had gained its independence from Spain as a result of the United States' victory in the war with Spain.
Immediately after taking office, Estrada sent Emperor Meiji a letter expressing hope for friendly ties between Cuba and Japan. In reply, the Japanese ruler sent the Cuban leader a letter to the same effect. The two countries established formal diplomatic relations 27 years later.