In 1981, Mexican Nikkei organized the first convention; and its character was summarized in a slogan: "Let us be better citizens in our continent". Delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and the United States joined the Mexican organizers for this initial meeting in Mexico City.
Presidents
Presidents have a maximum term of two years. Could be reelected one term
2017-2021 Mr. Fernando Suenaga from Peru
2013-2017 Mr. Arturo Yoshimoto from USA
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
Biennial conventions
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 have enlarged across the span of time:
1981—The 1st convention in Mexico City, Mexico brought together delegates from six countries.Mr. Carlo Kasuga President of the COPANI Committee
1983—The 2nd convention was held in Peru.
1985—The 3rd convention was in Brazil. Mr. Masahiko Tisaka, President of COPANI.
1987—The 4th convention took place in Argentina.Mr. Malio Sakata President of the COPANI Committee
1989—The 5th assembly was held in the United States at Los Angeles. Mr. Noritoshi Kanai President of the COPANI Committee
1991—The 6th convention was hosted by Paraguay's Nikkei.
1993—The 7th gathering in Vancouver, Canada brought together 400 delegates from 11 countries.Mr. Mark Ando President of the COPANI Committee
1995—The 8th assembly in Lima, Peru.
1997—The 9th convention took place in Mexico.Mr. Carlos Kasuga President of the COPANI Committee
1999—The 10th convention was held in Chile.
2001—The 11th convention was hosted by the United States Nikkei at New York City. Mr. Francis Sogi President of the COPANI Committee
2003—The 12th convention was hosted by the Bolivian membership.
2005—The 13th convention in Vancouver, Canada was actively supported by the National Association of Japanese Canadians.Mr. Arthur Miki President of the COPANI Committee.
2007—The 14th Convencion Panamericana Nikkei in São Paulo, Brazil was organized in part by Zaidan Hojin Kaigai Nikkeijin Kyokai. Approximately 700 attended.Mr. Noritaka Yano President of the COPANI Committee.
2009—The 15th Convention was held in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay. Mr. Emilio Ohno President of the COPANI Committee
2011 - The 16th Copani was held in Cancun, Mexico under the leadership of young Nikkeis from Mexico. Mr. Hiro Kashiwagui President of the COPANI Committee
2013 - The 17th Copani 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. Mr. Sebastian Kakazu President of the COPANI Committee
2015 - The 18th Copani was held in Dominican Republic on August 6–8, 2015. Sponsored by FUNDONI See www.copani.org Ms. Eiko Kokubun President of the COPANI Committee.
2017 - The 19th Copani was held in Lima - Peru in 2017 Theme" Building our Future".Mr. Juan Carlos Nakasone President of the COPANI Committee.
2019 - The 20th Copani was held in the USA - San Francisco, California on September 20-22, 2019. "The Future is Here." About 250 participated. Mr. Roger Oyama President of the COPANI Committee.
2021 - The 21st Copani will be held in Asuncion - Paraguay. Mr. Martin Makoto Nara President of the COPANI Committee.
2023 - The 22nd Copani will be held in Vancouver - Canada to be confirmed.
