Princess Kako celebrates 130 years of Japan-Brazil ties with emotional address

Japan's Princess Kako of Akishino began an official visit to Brazil on June 5, 2025, in a tour marking the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil. During her stay, she emphasized the significance of the strong ties cultivated over the years, which have seen Brazil become home to the world's largest Japanese community, currently estimated at about 2.7 million people. The princess expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Brazilian government and its citizens for their warm acceptance of Japanese immigrants over the past century. Many of these immigrants were instrumental in shaping Brazil's agricultural industry, contributing to its growth into an agricultural powerhouse. During her visit, Princess Kako attended a private ceremony with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia and later addressed the Brazilian Congress. In her speech, she acknowledged that geographical distance should not hinder the deep bonds formed between the two nations. She remarked that the Japanese immigrants who arrived in Brazil helped foster a bilateral relationship characterized by friendship and cooperation. She highlighted that the efforts of both communities—Japanese immigrants and Brazilians—have greatly enriched the bilateral relationship. The princess noted Brazil's majority Japanese population resides in Sao Paulo, where she received the state's highest honor. Additionally, she mentioned Brazil's potential for providing ethanol to Japan as a renewable energy source, aiding in Japan's quest to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Her statement was well-received by Chamber of Deputies President Hugo Motta, who noted the benefits of combining the disciplined work ethic associated with Japanese culture and Brazilian creativity. These comments demonstrated Princess Kako's understanding and appreciation for the mutual benefits derived from this cultural blending. As part of her trip, Princess Kako plans to visit Rio de Janeiro and take in key sites such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and a museum dedicated to Japanese immigration, reflecting the journey and contributions of her ancestors to Brazil. The culmination of her visit will be in Foz do Iguaçu, where the majestic Iguazu Falls are located. This outreach aims not only to celebrate the historic ties but to also foster future interactions between the peoples of Japan and Brazil, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close friendships and shared cultural experiences.