As Paraguay observes a national holiday in commemoration of the Chaco Peace Treaty (Paz del Chaco) on Monday, June 16, the young members of the Centro Nikkei Paraguayo in Itauguá will host a Picnic Day to celebrate Japanese-Paraguayan friendship.
The event will run in a relaxed, warm setting from 10:00 to 17:00 at the Centro Nikkei Paraguayo, located on Avenida Japón, Itauguá, and is open to the public. It offers a full day of cultural immersion featuring traditional Japanese workshops, and live demonstration of authentic cuisine. Visitors are encouraged to bring along a blanket and settle in on the grass to enjoy the sunshine, lunch, and various cultural activities.
Tickets are priced at 130,000 Guaraníes (approximately £14 or US$18) for adults and Gs. 70,000 for children. The ticket includes a traditional Japanese bento (lunch box), drink and dessert as well as access to all workshops, including origami, traditional Japanese calligraphy, and yoga sessions. Also, attendees can enjoy a demonstration of sushi and matcha dessert by the former chef of the Japanese Embassy in Paraguay, Achi Obara from the Japanese restaurant Delicias Japonesas, and sake degustation. All are included in the ticket price.
Children under the age of three may attend free of charge. As places are limited, early booking is recommended. To reserve a spot, contact via WhatsApp. The last day to buy tickets is on Thursday June 12.
The Centro Nikkei Paraguayo in Itauguá is a cultural and community hub dedicated to preserving and promoting Japanese heritage among the Nikkei (Japanese descendants), and the broader Paraguayan community.
Why a Picnic Day?
“We organise events like Picnic Day to bring families, friends, and community members together to enjoy a relaxed day filled with food, conversation, and cultural connection,’’ says Naomi Akita, a Japanese-Paraguayan and President of the Centro Nikkei Paraguayo.
“What truly motivates us is the desire to share and celebrate Japanese culture showing that, even from across the world, its traditions can be lived and appreciated here in Paraguay. These gatherings also play an important role in helping us sustain the activities and future of our beloved club in a meaningful and community-driven way.”
Japanese immigration to Paraguay officially began in 1936, when the first group of agricultural settlers arrived seeking new opportunities. Today, the Nikkei community (descendants of those immigrants) number around 10,000 and have become an integral part of Paraguayan society while preserving their cultural heritage. The Picnic Day, held annually since 2022, serves as a prelude to next year’s celebration of the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay.
For more information on these numbers, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Connecting to their rooths
For younger generations, events such as Picnic Day serve as a meaningful bridge to their roots. “I feel equally at home making sushi or empanadas,” says Kaori Kurita, a Japanese-Paraguayan and Chief Strategic and Partnership Officer of The Asuncion Times. “That is what makes our community special, we do not have to choose between our cultures. We have both.”
As the day winds down and 17:00 approaches, the sun sets over the peaceful grounds of Centro Nikkei Paraguayo, leaving behind echoes of laughter, music, and conversation in Spanish, Japanese, and English. Organised with the enthusiastic support of both the younger generations of Nikkei, and adult members of the wider community, the event stands as a powerful symbol of unity.
It demonstrates that cultural identity is not about choosing one culture over another – it is a harmonious blend of both, and a testament to the lasting strength of community when different worlds come together.
Event Information
- Reserve your spot: +595 985 457605.
- Limited places available – the last day to purchase tickets is June 12.
- What to bring: A blanket and a good spirit to enjoy the day.
- Date: Monday, 16 June (public holiday).
- Time: 10:00 to 17:00.
- Location: Centro Nikkei Paraguayo (Avenida Japón, Itauguá).
Visit Centro Nikkei Paraguayo on Instagram for more information.
Throughout the year, multiple activities and events are organised by and for the Japanese community. The Nihon Matsuri, considered the best traditional festival in Asunción. There is also the Natsubon, which celebrates the Japanese culture in Yguazú, Paraguay. In Asunción, the Days of Japanese Culture are held.
