Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko are conducting an official state visit to Paraguay from Aug. 18 to Aug. 26 [1].
The trip serves as a high-level diplomatic effort to strengthen bilateral ties and recognize the historical contributions of the Japanese diaspora in South America.
During the visit, the royal couple traveled to the capital, Asunción, and the Japanese settlement of La Colmena [2, 3]. The itinerary focuses on the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay [4]. This milestone commemorates nearly a century of cultural exchange, and settlement within the region.
On Monday, Prince Akishino expressed his desire for the partnership between the two nations to grow. He said he hopes the relations between the two countries will deepen further [5].
This visit is historically significant as it represents the first time a Japanese prince has visited Paraguay in 20 years, with the previous visit occurring in November 2006 [1]. The presence of the imperial family highlights the continued importance of the Japanese-Paraguayan community in maintaining diplomatic bridges.
Throughout the tour, the royal couple met with members of the local Japanese-Paraguayan community to discuss the legacy of the early immigrants. By visiting La Colmena, the couple acknowledged the specific hardships and successes of the settlers who established the community decades ago [3].
The official schedule continues through Aug. 26, focusing on cultural diplomacy and state functions designed to reinforce the strategic and social bonds between Tokyo and Asunción [1].
“I hope the relations between the two countries will deepen further.”
This visit signals Japan's commitment to maintaining soft-power influence in South America by leveraging its historical diaspora. By timing the trip to the 90th anniversary of immigration, the Japanese monarchy reinforces the identity of overseas Japanese communities as vital diplomatic assets in regions where Japan seeks to maintain stable political and economic partnerships.
