The recent Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS Forum) LATAM 2025 in Cuernavaca, Morelos, marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between Mexico and Japan.
The event, stemming from the original forum founded in Kyoto in 2004, emphasized dialogue between science, innovation, and society, aiming to position Mexico as a regional hub for innovation. Key topics such as biotechnology, telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and their ethical and social impacts were central to the discussions, aligning with Japanese investments that extend beyond Mexico’s established automotive and manufacturing industries.
Japan’s Growing Investment in Mexico
Ambassador Kozo Honsei highlighted that Japan became one of the top three foreign direct investment countries in Mexico by 2025, alongside the United States and Spain. Historically, Japan has invested heavily in Mexico, with a trade balance heavily favoring Tokyo – a deficit of approximately $13 billion for Mexico in 2025, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Mexico.
Deepening Collaboration in Strategic Areas
Beyond automobiles and electronics, the relationship has deepened in strategic areas like biotechnology and health. The December STS Forum, organized by the Japanese government, the Mexican government, and state authorities, attracted over 5,900 participants from 39 countries, including representatives from universities, research centers, and companies. This event fostered exchanges promising evidence-based solutions.
Astellas Pharma: A Case Study
Astellas Pharma, a fusion of two century-old Japanese companies (Yamanouchi and Fujisawa) consolidated in 2005, is now among the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies. Astellas entered Mexico in 2020 and tripled its size within five years, becoming a growth reference. Alessa Costa, General Manager of Astellas in Mexico, stated that the country is one of the 15 priority markets for the company globally. “Mexico is superbly positioned, aiding our innovation, investment, and scientific development,” she explained. Astellas registered an 180% growth in Mexico in 2025 and projects double-digit growth for 2026, primarily driven by the public sector. They have introduced oral chemotherapy tablets for prostate and leukemia cancers, facilitating outpatient treatments and reducing hospital burden. Their next step is to expand into women’s health with their non-hormonal menopause therapy, already approved by Mexico’s General Health Council (CSG). They are negotiating to place it in IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS Bienestar while awaiting Cofepris approvals for gastric cancer and geographic atrophy (ophthalmology) products.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ Presence
Takeda Pharmaceutical, the largest Japanese multinational in pharmaceuticals, has also strengthened its presence in Mexico since 1964. With nearly 500 employees and a remodeled plant in 2014-2016, Takeda offers therapeutic options in oncology, gastroenterology, neurosciences, and rare diseases. They have established one of their Innovation Capability Centers (ICCs) in Mexico, focusing on technological services.
Japan’s Success in Mexico: A Multifaceted Story
Japan’s success in Mexico is multifaceted. With over 1,300 companies in the country, Japan has accumulated investments of $38.887 billion by 2024, primarily in the Bajio region (Aguascalientes, Querétaro, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, Jalisco). Automotive giants like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda dominate the automotive sector, while Denso, Canon, Sony, and Mitsubishi diversify in auto parts, electronics, and finance.
JICA’s Investment in Mexican Health Startup Clivi
Another noteworthy case is JICA’s investment in BRK Health Solutions (Clivi), a Mexican health digital startup. JICA co-invested with private funds: Dalus Capital (Mexican VC), Foundation Capital (US VC), and a corporate venture capital fund of Grupo Femsa, which operates Oxxo, the largest convenience store and pharmacy chain. The project focuses on a digital care clinic for cardiometabolic diseases like obesity, overweight, and diabetes. Led by Ricardo Moguel, Clivi offers a 100% digital subscription service using an AI agent on WhatsApp to manage appointments, exams, and treatments proactively. This facilitates continuous care and lifestyle changes, improving medical outcomes.
CG&A Expands to Spain
Mexican firm CG&A, specializing in legal services, corporate consulting, and public affairs, announced the opening of offices in Spain to expand its international presence and strengthen its iberoamerican vision. Juan Carlos Castillo, CG&A’s General Manager, stated that this initiative responds to the growing demand for specialized services in interconnected European and Latin American environments. The company aims to provide local attention with global reach to businesses, institutions, and projects from the new Spanish office, focusing on brand protection and management, international trade, academic development, and strategic content generation.
