Japan’s Princess Kako kicked off her official visit to Brazil, marking 130 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. As the daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, she’s the granddaughter of Japan’s former emperor. Her 11-day journey will take her to several cities, including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia.
In Sao Paulo, Princess Kako visited the Japanese Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park, where she laid a wreath to honor Japanese immigrants. She also planted a cherry blossom tree, fed carp, and toured the pavilion. Jose Taniguchi, president of the Japanese Association in Brazil, welcomed her.
The princess’s trip coincides with the Brazil-Japan Friendship Year, celebrating cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries. She’ll meet with government officials, including Tarcizio de Freitas, the governor of Sao Paulo, and visit the Japanese Cultural and Social Center in the Liberdade district, the heart of Sao Paulo’s Japanese community.
This visit follows her sister Princess Mako’s trip in 2018, which marked 110 years of Japanese immigration to Brazil. Princess Kako’s itinerary includes meetings with the Japanese-Brazilian community, the largest outside of Japan. Her visit highlights the strong bond between Japan and Brazil, built over centuries of cultural and economic exchange.
Key points of the visit
- Princess Kako’s 11-day visit to Brazil marks 130 years of diplomatic ties
- She’ll visit several cities, including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia
- The princess will meet with government officials and the Japanese-Brazilian community
- Her trip coincides with the Brazil-Japan Friendship Year, celebrating cultural exchange and friendship
Background
The Japanese community in Brazil is the largest outside of Japan, with many immigrants arriving in the early 20th century. Today, people of Japanese descent play a significant role in Brazilian society, contributing to the country’s economy, culture, and politics. Princess Kako’s visit aims to strengthen ties between Japan and Brazil, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.