Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited a Japanese immigrant settlement in eastern Paraguay on Sunday [1].
The visit underscores the enduring cultural and diplomatic ties between Japan and Paraguay, specifically honoring the resilience of the Nikkei community.
The royal couple traveled to the Iguazu region, located approximately 290 kilometers [2] from the capital city of Asuncion. This region is home to about 1,000 [3] people of Japanese descent. The visit occurred on Aug. 23 as part of an official tour scheduled from Aug. 18 to Aug. 26 [5].
A primary focus of the visit was the inspection of a "Michi-no-Eki," a Japanese-style roadside tourist facility. These stations typically serve as hubs for local produce and tourism in Japan. The facility in Paraguay opened in 2024 [6] and serves as a symbol of the community's heritage.
The tour commemorates the 90th anniversary of Japanese migration to Paraguay [4]. The royal couple used the visit to engage with the local community and observe how Japanese architectural and tourism concepts have been adapted to the South American landscape.
While some reports identify the visit as focusing on the Iguazu region [7], other accounts specify the inclusion of La Colmena, known as the first Japanese settlement in the country [8]. The visit serves as a formal recognition of the contributions made by Japanese immigrants to the development of eastern Paraguay over nearly a century.
“The royal couple traveled to the Iguazu region, located approximately 290 kilometers from the capital city of Asuncion.”
This visit serves as a high-level diplomatic gesture to maintain the 'soft power' of Japan within the diaspora. By visiting a 'Michi-no-Eki'—a specifically Japanese civic concept—the royal couple is validating the preservation of Japanese identity and economic models in a foreign context, reinforcing the historical link established 90 years ago.
