Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess Akishino have attended a ceremony marking 90 years of Japanese immigration to Paraguay. They are in the South American country on an official visit.
Paraguayan President Santiago Pena also took part in Friday’s event with his wife. About 650 people including Japanese immigrants and Japanese-Paraguayans also attended.
The Crown Prince gave a speech. He said Japanese immigrants and Japanese-Paraguayans have succeeded in Paraguay after overcoming a harsh natural environment and cultural and language differences.
He also expressed hope that they will further contribute to the future of Paraguay and continue serving as a bridge between the two countries.
The Crown Prince concluded by saying “Thank you” in both Spanish and an indigenous language. He received a round of applause.
The Crown Prince and Princess mingled with government officials and representatives of Japanese immigrants and Japanese-Paraguayans at a reception later in the day.
On Saturday, they will visit La Colmena, where the first group of Japanese immigrants settled. They will offer flowers at a memorial and remember the Japanese pioneers who died in accidents and from disease.