Crown prince, princess celebrate 90th anniv. event of Japanese immigration

On Friday, Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attended a ceremony commemorating the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay. The prince, brother of Emperor Naruhito, highlighted the significant contributions made by the immigrants and their descendants in a speech at the event near Paraguay's capital, Asuncion.

Around 650 attendees, including President Santiago Pena and his wife, participated in the ceremony. The Crown Prince emphasized how the two countries share a strong bond due to the Japanese immigrants and their descendants, expressing hope that their connection will continue to thrive as a bridge between the nations.

Paraguayan President Pena acknowledged the Japanese community's invaluable contributions to agriculture, education, and society, which showcase Paraguay's multicultural identity. Before the ceremony, the royal couple, who are on an official visit to Paraguay, laid flowers at a memorial honoring deceased settlers and met with members of the Japanese community, now estimated at about 10,000 people.

The first group of 81 individuals from 11 families arrived from Japan in 1936 and established a new settlement in La Colmena, located in the country's south-central region. At a nearby hotel, the Crown Prince and Princess conversed with members of the Japanese community. Ikuko Matsumiya, 87, a resident who relocated from Tochigi Prefecture in 1956, expressed her appreciation, stating, "It's encouraging that members of the imperial family always attend milestones."

The Crown Prince had previously visited Paraguay in 2006 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the country.