Japanese princes visit first Japanese immigrant colony in Paraguay

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Princess Kiko visited La Colmena, a community in Paraguay's Paraguarí department, marking a significant moment in the commemoration of 90 years of Japanese immigration to the South American nation. Established in 1936, La Colmena holds the distinction of being the first colony founded by Japanese immigrants in Paraguay.

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Today, after the hardships that subsequent generations have gone through, I am enormously pleased that Japanese immigrants and their descendants are distinguished in various fields, such as the production of delicious fruits, and assume important responsibilities as fundamental members of Paraguayan society.

During their visit, the Crown Prince expressed profound respect for the Japanese immigrants who settled in La Colmena and their descendants. He acknowledged the "numerous difficulties" they overcame to establish and sustain the pioneering colony. Prince Fumihito highlighted the success of the community, noting that Japanese immigrants and their descendants have excelled in various fields, including the production of delicious fruits, and now play vital roles as fundamental members of Paraguayan society.

Princess Kiko, making her first visit to Paraguay, accompanied her husband who had previously visited 20 years prior for the 70th anniversary of Japanese immigration. The royal couple also extended their gratitude to the Paraguayan people for their warm welcome and support of the Japanese immigrants. The visit underscored the strong historical and cultural ties between Japan and Paraguay.

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I also thank the Paraguayan people, who welcomed the Japanese immigrants with open arms and accompanied them with warmth.

Furthermore, Prince Fumihito celebrated the ongoing efforts within the Japanese-descended community to pass down their language, culture, and immigration history to new generations. The visit included a tour of the Japanese Cultural Association and a memorial ceremony at 'Kunito Miyazaka' Plaza, where the couple laid a floral offering. The visit to La Colmena is part of a broader agenda celebrating the enduring legacy of Japanese migration to Paraguay.

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efforts are being made to transmit to the new generations the Japanese language and culture, and the history of immigration.