His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan arrived in Paraguay on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, for an official state visit. The visit of the Japanese Crown Prince and Princess marks the 90th anniversary of the beginning of Japanese immigration to the South American nation and aims to reinforce the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The arrival follows a formal invitation extended last year by President Santiago Peña during a meeting with representatives of the Japanese Imperial Household in Osaka. The visit is intended to deepen the well-established relationship of friendship and cooperation that has developed between Paraguay and Japan over the past century.
A symbolic visit to honour a legacy
Japan’s Ambassador to Paraguay, Mario Masayuki Toyotoshi, emphasised the symbolic importance of the royal visit. He stated it presents a significant opportunity to reaffirm the ties between the two nations and to express gratitude for the welcome Paraguay has provided to the Japanese community for many decades.
The history of Japanese immigration to Paraguay began in 1936, when the first group of settlers established the colony of La Colmena. Today, the community of Japanese descendants, known as Nikkei, is estimated to be around 10,000 people, who have made significant contributions to Paraguay’s agricultural and cultural development.
Itinerary includes historic settlements and official ceremonies
During their stay, the Japanese Crown Prince and Crown Princess are scheduled to visit key sites related to the history of Japanese immigration. Their agenda includes trips to the Japanese colonies of La Colmena in the Paraguarí department and Yguazú in Alto Paraná. In these communities, they will meet with members of the Nikkei community to learn more about their history and experiences.
A central part of the official agenda is the commission and flag-raising ceremony for the DRM-5 “Paraguay” dredger. The vessel was donated by the Japanese government to the National Navigation and Ports Administration (ANNP) to help maintain the country’s vital riverways. The modern dredger is a significant contribution to Paraguay’s infrastructure, designed to ensure safer and more efficient navigation.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation
In addition to the commemorative events, the royal couple’s schedule includes a number of formal activities and meetings. These are designed to strengthen the bilateral relationship in a year that holds particular significance for the Japanese community and its descendants in Paraguay.
Diplomatic relations between Japan and Paraguay were first established in 1919. In recent years, this relationship has been elevated to a “strategic partnership,” reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration on economic development and international affairs.
