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Japanese Royals Mark 90 Years of Immigration to Paraguay
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

Japanese Royals Mark 90 Years of Immigration to Paraguay

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Newswire From a news agency New plan
  • Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko attended an event commemorating 90 years of Japanese immigration to Paraguay.
  • The prince highlighted the Japanese community's resilience and contributions to Paraguay's development.
  • Financial cooperation between Japan and Paraguay has reached nearly $2 billion by 2024.

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, along with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, celebrated the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay. The event underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, marked by significant financial cooperation that reached nearly $2 billion by 2024.

Paraguay has become a very special place for us

— Prince FumihitoThe prince expressed his sentiments about Paraguay during the commemorative event.

Prince Fumihito expressed that Paraguay has become a special place for the Japanese royal family, recalling the warm welcome his family has received since his first visit in 1970. Speaking at the commemorative ceremony attended by hundreds of Japanese descendants, he acknowledged the community's perseverance in overcoming harsh natural conditions and cultural differences since immigration began in 1936.

"They have built trust within Paraguayan society, contributing significantly to Paraguay's development generation after generation," the prince stated, according to a translation provided by organizers. An estimated 10,000 Japanese descendants now live in Paraguay.

They have overcome the harsh natural conditions of the South American country, as well as cultural and linguistic differences, which at the time represented a barrier.

— Prince FumihitoThe prince acknowledged the challenges faced by Japanese immigrants.

President Peña, who elevated the bilateral relationship to "strategic partners" after a visit to Japan, noted the increasing benefits of cooperation. Japan has provided approximately $1.118 billion in loans and $277.45 million in grants through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) by 2024. Additionally, Japan offered $591.59 million in technical cooperation.

Thus they built trust within Paraguayan society, contributing significantly to Paraguay's development generation after generation

— Prince FumihitoThe prince praised the contributions of Japanese immigrants to Paraguayan society.

This official assistance complements the contributions of Japanese colonies to Paraguay's agricultural sector, particularly in soybean production. The Japanese ambassador in Asunción described these communities as an "example" of hard work, honesty, and technical skill. The royal couple is scheduled to visit the community of La Colmena on Saturday.

increasingly profitable

— Santiago PeñaThe Paraguayan president commented on the cooperation between the two countries.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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