NIKKEI Catalonia-Japan
Economic and Cultural Forum 2026
“Envisioning the Future of Catalonia-Japan Economic & Cultural Exchange”

Salvador Illa i Roca

President of the Government of Catalonia

Born in La Roca del Vallès (Barcelona) on May 5, 1966, Salvador Illa has dedicated most of his professional career to public service.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Barcelona and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from IESE Business School (University of Navarra). He has also served as an associate professor at the Blanquerna Faculty of Communication and International Relations.
His public career began in 1995 when he was elected mayor of his hometown, La Roca del Vallès, where he has always resided. He later served as Director General of Infrastructure Management at the Department of Justice of the Government of Catalonia from 2005 to 2009.
Following a brief period in the private sector, Mr. Illa was appointed Director of Economic Management for the Barcelona City Council in 2010. This role led him to coordinate the Socialist Municipal Group at the City Council between 2011 and 2016, where he also served as Manager of Enterprise, Culture, and Innovation.
In January 2020, Salvador Illa was appointed Minister of Health for the Government of Spain. In this role, he managed the frontline response during the most challenging periods of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis and spearheaded the nationwide vaccination rollout.
After running as the leading candidate and winning the Catalan regional elections in February 2021, he served as President of the Socialists and Units per Avançar Parliamentary Group and Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Catalonia. In the elections held on May 12, 2024, Mr. Illa once again led the PSC ticket, securing a victory with 42 seats.
He has been the First Secretary of the PSC since December 2021, a political party he originally joined in 1995.

Hiroshi Yamauchi

Ambassador of Japan to Spain

March 1987　Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Kyoto University
April 1987　Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 2003　First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Peru
January 2004　Counsellor, Embassy of Japan in Peru
August 2005　Senior Coordinator, First North American
Division, Policy Evaluation and Administrative Review Division
April 2006　Director, Terrorism Prevention Division
August 2008　Director, Second Division, Intelligence and Analysis Service
September 2011　Counsellor, Embassy of Japan in Mexico
January 2013　Minister, Embassy of Japan in Mexico
August 2014　Minister, Embassy of Japan in Italy
July 2018　Deputy Director-General, Foreign Policy Bureau
September 2021　Director-General,Intelligence and Analysis Service
September 2022　Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Argentine Republic
October 2025　Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Spain

Cristian Canton

Associate Director, Barcelona Supercomputing Center

Dr. Cristian Canton is the Associate Director of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), one of Europe’s premier research institutions in supercomputing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. At BSC, he oversees strategic initiatives focused on high-performance computing (HPC) applications, the deployment of the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer, and the center’s transformation into an AI-driven scientific hub.
Prior to joining BSC, Dr. Canton spent over a decade in the United States holding senior leadership roles within the tech industry, notably serving as the Head of Responsible AI at Meta (Facebook) and leading applied AI research teams at Microsoft. He holds a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC).

Roser Roca-Tohà

Managing Director & CEO, Airbus GeoTech

Ms. Roser Roca-Tohà is the Managing Director and CEO of Airbus GeoTech, the specialized hub of Airbus Defence and Space delivering advanced geospatial intelligence and satellite analysis. An international aerospace executive with two decades of experience, she spearheads the company’s strategic initiatives in deep tech and earth observation.
Throughout her distinguished 18-year career with Airbus, she has led high-stakes engineering, sales, and product programs across Europe and North America, working on flagship aircraft like the A380 and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Catalonia by Forbes, she holds a Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the UPC.

Manel Martorana

Head of Digital Technology Iberia, France, BeNeLux & Latam NTT DATA

Manel Martorana is Partner and Head of Digital Technology at NTT DATA for Iberia, France, Benelux and Latin America, leading a team of more than 4,000 professionals.
With more than two decades of international experience in technology consulting, he works with leading organizations to transform research, innovation and emerging technologies into business value and sustainable growth. His areas of focus include artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the development of talent and innovation ecosystems.
Manel holds an Engineering degree from the Open University of Catalonia and has completed executive education programs at IESE and ESADE.

Maria Galindo

Secretary of Digital Policies of the Government of Catalonia

Secretary of Digital Policies of the Government of Catalonia. She holds a Degree in Economics from the University of Barcelona, with advanced training from the London School of Economics, ESADE, and Wharton. She brings over two decades of experience dedicated to public innovation, smart cities, digital transformation, and tech policy.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has held key leadership roles within the Government of Catalonia, the i2CAT Technology Center, and various European institutions. As a founding member of Women in Tech, she is actively involved in initiatives that champion digital talent and promote female leadership in the technology sector.

Carla Salvadó

Deputy Director for Business & Marketing, Port Barcelona

Ms. Carla Salvadó is the Deputy General Manager of Commercial and Marketing at the Port of Barcelona. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Administration from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and has completed executive education programs at prestigious business schools including ESADE and INSEAD.
Throughout her distinguished career, Salvadó has held several high-level leadership positions both at the Port of Barcelona and within the international maritime sector. Notably, she served as the Secretary General of MedCruise from 2003 to 2006, and later as the Cruise and Marketing Director for the Port of Barcelona. In 2014, her expertise in the sector led to her election as President of MedCruise, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports.
In addition to her extensive public-sector experience, Salvadó has a proven track record in the private sector, having served as the Marketing Director for Global Ports Holding, one of the world's leading cruise terminal operators.
In her current role as Deputy General Manager of Commercial and Marketing at the Port of Barcelona, Salvadó spearheads the port's commercial strategy, traffic acquisition, and business development. She is also responsible for driving the international promotion of the port's infrastructure, which includes leading strategic trade missions abroad.

Keigo Nakao

Senior General Manager, Automotive Business (RHQ), NYK Group Europe Ltd

Joined NYK Line in 2009 and took role in container sales in Nagoya, Japan.
2012-2014: NYK Group South Asia (Singapore) Container Division PL Management / Alliance Coordination
2014-2017: NYK Group Europe (London) Container Division Marketing
2017-2019: Ocean Network Express (London) Marketing
2019-2023: NYK Tokyo Autologistics Division
2023-2024: NYK Tokyo RORO Division
2024-2025: NYK Group Europe (London) RORO Division
2025-2026: NYK Group Europe (London) RORO / Autologistics Division

Marc López i Ribes

Catalunya Media City Programme Director

Mr. Marc López i Ribes is a senior public-sector executive with more than 20 years of experience in strategic project management, public policy, and institutional leadership in the cultural, audiovisual, and innovation sectors. Since January 2026, he has served as Head of the Singular Projects Unit at Consorci del Besòs, leading the next phase of the Catalunya Media City initiative following the renewed strategic commitment and investment framework promoted by the Government of Catalonia during the current legislative term.
In this role, he oversees the implementation of transformative projects linked to the development of the audiovisual and digital hub in the Besòs area, coordinating multiple public administrations and private stakeholders.
Previously, he directed the Catalunya Media City Programme for the Government of Catalonia and held senior positions at ESCAC and the Catalan Institute for Cultural Companies (ICEC). Holding degrees in Economics and Audiovisual Communication, he combines strategic vision, financial expertise, and extensive experience in public-private collaboration and large-scale project delivery.

Amilcar Vargas

World Heritage Manager at Casa Batlló

Dr. Amilcar Vargas is an international expert in World Heritage management and holds a PhD in Society and Culture from the University of Barcelona.
He is responsible for the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention at Casa Batlló, including raising awareness of its Outstanding Universal Value, ensuring compliance with international obligations, and identifying opportunities derived from its inscription on the World Heritage List.
He has worked with leading institutions such as UNESCO and other World Heritage sites, and is a visiting lecturer at international universities including Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne. His international career includes academic stays, university teaching, publications, and participation in conferences in more than twenty countries. He is a member of international professional associations such as ICOMOS, ICOM, and the International Association of World Heritage Professionals, and regularly contributes as an author and expert to global forums such as the World Economic Forum.

Mayuko Fujiki

NGSC High Performance Advisor

Bronze medalist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Following her competitive career, she held coaching and leadership roles with the national teams of Japan, Spain, the United States, and China across five Olympic Games. In 2017, she was appointed to lead the rebuilding of Spain’s artistic swimming program, guiding the team to a top-eight finish at the Tokyo Olympics, its first-ever team gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, and an Olympic medal at the Paris 2024 Games. She currently serves as an artistic advisor to artistic swimming national teams in seven countries.

Amadeo Jensana

Director for Economic Programs, Casa Asia

Mr. Amadeo Jensana is the Director of the Economics and Business Department at Casa Asia, a public diplomacy consortium dedicated to strengthening relations with the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2001, Casa Asia is supported by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Catalonia, and the city councils of Barcelona and Madrid.
Mr. Jensana holds a bachelor’s degree in law and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). His areas of expertise encompass the macroeconomic development of Asian countries, sustainable urban development, economic diplomacy, and business relations with Asian markets—spanning trade, investment, finance, public-private partnerships, innovation, tourism, and legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as cross-cultural management.
Prior to joining Casa Asia, Mr. Jensana served as Deputy Director of the Japan Office of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), where he managed technology cooperation projects between Spain and Japan. He also brings extensive experience advising companies operating in Asia on financial analysis, business planning, trade development, and contract negotiations.

Albert Raurich

Chef at the DosPalillos Restaurant in Barcelona

Albert Raurich is one of the most influential contemporary Spanish chefs and a key figure in bringing Asian cuisine to Europe. Trained at the Barcelona Hospitality School, he joined elBulli in 1997, where he worked for 11 years alongside Ferran Adrià, serving as head chef from 2001 during the restaurant's most revolutionary era.
In 2008, he founded Dos Palillos in Barcelona, a pioneering restaurant that blends the philosophy of tapas with Asian cuisines. It has held a Michelin star since 2012 and earned two Repsol Suns (the latest in 2026). Today, he leads Grup Dos Palillos, which includes: Dos Pebrots (2016), a Mediterranean historical research project with one Repsol Sun and recommended by the Michelin Guide; Tamae's Sake Bar (2020), an informal space inside Dos Palillos dedicated to Japanese beverage culture, created with sommelier Tamae Imachi; and AÜC Bar (2024), a contemporary neighborhood tapas and vermouth bar included in the Michelin Guide in 2026.
Beyond the kitchen, Raurich published "Dos Palillos: A Gastronomic Dialogue with Japan and Asia" (2018) and currently co-directs the "Sapiens of Japanese Cuisine" project for Bullipedia with Ferran Adrià. His group's philosophy remains rooted in researching and reinterpreting culinary cultures.

Hideki Matsuhisa

Owner-Chef of Koy Shunka; CEO of Grupo Koy; Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador

The first restaurant, ‘Shunka’, opened in Barcelona in 2001, followed by ‘Koy Shunka’ in 2008; in 2013, ‘Koy Shunka’ became the first Japanese restaurant in the region to be awarded a Michelin star. This served as a catalyst for traditional Japanese culinary culture to take root in the region; the number of Japanese restaurants in Catalonia, which stood at around 20 in 2001, has now expanded to over 320. Several renowned local chefs became fans of Mr Matsuhisa’s Japanese cuisine, and their endorsements also contributed to raising the profile of Japanese food. In 2017, he was appointed ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’. In addition to actively appearing on television programmes and in newspaper features, he has contributed to the popularisation of Japanese cuisine in the home by supervising products such as sushi in supermarkets. He also cooperates with projects related to the registration of ‘Washoku’ and ‘Nihonshu’ as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as initiatives by JETRO and diplomatic missions abroad, providing advice on public relations. He focuses on nurturing the next generation of chefs, training Spanish chefs at his own restaurants and local culinary schools to develop ‘craftsmen’ of Japanese cuisine, whilst also serving as a judge at European Japanese cuisine competitions. An increasing number of his apprentices are going on to open their own restaurants, and there are now over 800 Japanese restaurants across Spain, with a growing number of establishments offering high-quality Japanese cuisine. In 2025, he received the Consul General's Commendation from the Consulate General of Japan in Barcelona.

Arantxa Calvera

Managing Director, Catalan Tourist Board

Arantxa Calvera is the Managing Director of the Catalan Tourist Board (Agència Catalana de Turisme), the official body responsible for promoting Catalonia as a world-class travel destination. A respected jurist and public manager, she leads the region's strategic tourism policies, focusing on sustainable destination management, public-private collaboration, and international positioning.
Prior to her appointment by the Government of Catalonia, Ms. Calvera served as the General Manager of the Barcelona Tourism Consortium, where she was instrumental in fostering dialogue between economic and social stakeholders. Recognized by Forbes as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Catalonia, her extensive career in public administration includes serving as Chief of Staff for the First Deputy Mayor of Barcelona and as an advisor to the Foreign Affairs Committee at the European Parliament.

Akiko Shikata

Consul-General of Japan in Barcelona

Her overseas assignments included posts at Embassy of Japan in Mexico (1989–1991, 2002–2005), Permanent Delegation of Japan to the OECD (1999–2002), and Embassy of Japan in the United Kingdom (2013–2015). At the headquarters, as Senior Specialist for Latin American issues, she participated in the decision-making and implementation processes of diplomatic policies toward Central and South America. She was Chief Negotiator for GPA-WTO negotiations and subsequently was Senior Coordinator for Public Diplomacy Strategy Division, as well as Director of Coordination Office with local municipalities in the Minister’s Secretariat. She also served as Director of International Affairs Division of the House of Representatives Secretariat.
Assumed her current position in 2024.
Graduated from Sophia University (Tokyo), Faculty of Foreign Studies, majoring in Spanish, with sub-major in international relations. After joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she completed two years of diplomatic training at the Escuela Diplomática (International Relations) in Madrid, and later enrolled in Master’s course on the European Union at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, studying alongside with Spanish professionals.

Jaume Duch

Minister for European Union and Foreign Action

Born in Barcelona in 1962, Jaume Duch i Guillot holds a Degree in Law from the University of Barcelona. A lawyer, university lecturer, and journalist, he has dedicated practically his entire professional career to the European Union institutions. After entering the European Civil Service in 1990—ranking first in his class—he built an extensive career within the European Parliament, culminating in his role as Director General for Communication and spokesperson for the institution from 2017 until his appointment as Minister.
Prior to this, Mr. Duch i Guillot served as Media Director (2008–2017) and spokesperson (from 2006) for the European Parliament. His previous institutional roles include Head of the Press Room and Head of Programming within the Directorate General for Communication (2000–2006), as well as Spokesman and Adviser to the Cabinet of the President of the European Parliament, José María Gil-Robles (1997–1999), managing communication, public engagements, and official visits.
Furthermore, he was responsible for information and communication for the parliamentary working groups drafting both the European Constitution (2002–2003) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (1999–2000).
In the academic sphere, he was an Associate Professor of International Public Law at the University of Barcelona and coordinator of the Seminar on EU Institutions and Policies between 1986 and 1990. An author of numerous articles and communications, he is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars on EU institutions, Community law, and European communication.
Throughout his career, he has received several awards and distinctions in recognition of his work as an institutional spokesperson. He is also a member of the Council of the Lausanne-based Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe.