The Crown Prince and Princess of Japan conclude their historic visit to Paraguay
Following an agenda filled with symbolism and diplomacy, the Crown Prince of Japan, Fumihito of Akishino, and his wife Kiko, concluded a six-day official visit to Paraguay this Monday. The main purpose of the trip was to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the beginning of Japanese immigration to Paraguayan territory, strengthening cultural and economic ties between both nations.
The royal delegation departed from the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, located in the city of Luque, where they were formally seen off by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay, Rubén Ramírez.
A closing marked by education and culture
The last day of the princes in Paraguayan lands was dedicated to education. The members of the imperial house toured the Japanese School of Asuncion and the Japanese-Paraguayan School. During their stay at the former, they were welcomed by students and diplomatic staff, who offered a gesture of courtesy through a performance of the traditional Paraguayan dance, the polka, in an act that sought to honor local customs.
Subsequently, the royal couple visited the Japanese-Paraguayan School, a bilingual institution founded by businessman Naoyuki Toyotoshi, an emblematic figure of the successful integration of the Japanese community in the country since his arrival in 1969. This meeting took place in a private setting, without the presence of media.
Paraguay: a destination of great sentimental value
Paraguay has become a very special place for us.
Prince Fumihito of Akishino
During the commemorative events held last Friday at the Conmebol Convention Center, Prince Fumihito highlighted the deep connection his family maintains with the country. He recalled with gratitude the previous visits made by himself in 1970 and by his eldest daughter, highlighting the warmth of the Paraguayan people.
The heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne recognized the effort of the immigrants who, since 1936, managed to overcome language barriers and geographical challenges to forge a prosperous community. According to estimates by the Japanese ambassador in Asunción, Katsumi Itagaki, there are currently about 10,000 descendants of Japanese people residing in the country.
Rising strategic relationships
The visit not only served to celebrate the past, but also to project the future. The President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has stressed that the bilateral relationship has been elevated to the level of strategic partners, an alliance that promises to deepen cooperation in various sectors. During the weekend, the princes also had the opportunity to visit the Yguazú colony, in the Alto Paraná department, a municipality founded by migrants 65 years ago that today is a fundamental pillar of Paraguayan agricultural development.
