The new cultural space will be located at the headquarters of the Federation of Japanese and Nikkei Associations of Paraguay. It will house a collection of historical objects brought by the first immigrants, providing a link to the past.
Museum to showcase legacy of first immigrants
The new museum will feature items that reflect the lives and labours of the first Japanese settlers. Among the exhibits will be work tools, kitchen utensils, and pieces that illustrate the effort involved in transforming Paraguay’s agricultural landscape in the early decades of their arrival.
Eduardo Higaki, president of the anniversary’s executive commission, noted that many of these artefacts have not been publicly displayed for 30 years, since the 60th anniversary of Japanese immigration. Now, they are being brought back to life as a symbol of collective identity and memory.
“It is a legacy of great sentimental value that allows us to appreciate the sacrifice of our ancestors,” Higaki stated, emphasising the emotional importance of the collection. The exhibition aims to give visitors, particularly younger generations, a direct connection to the experiences of their forebears.
The bond between Japan and Paraguay
Beyond history, the bond between the two nations is strongly reflected in contemporary culture. The popularity of manga and anime in Paraguay highlights a living connection between generations, especially among young people.
Cristina Tanaka, vice-president of the organising commission: about the enthusiasm of the Paraguayan public for these forms of Japanese cultural expression: “It is incredible how much people in Paraguay love manga, anime, and cosplay. At events like the Nihon Matsuri, we see a massive participation of young people in costume, which demonstrates a very strong cultural appropriation.”
This cultural fusion is also evident in public festivals where traditional arts like taiko drumming, the Bon Odori dance, and origami are presented alongside Japanese pop culture. One of the main events, titled “Palmear Japón,” is scheduled for 18 April, 2026, on Palma street in Asunción, and will feature gastronomy, artistic performances, and interactive displays.
The enduring influence of the Nikkei community
The Nikkei community in Paraguay, which numbers over 10,000 people, has successfully cultivated a hybrid identity where tradition and innovation coexist. Their legacy remains active and continues to evolve, from building schools to preserve the Japanese language to organising cultural and sporting festivals.
Over these nine decades, the Japanese community has established a network of associations, cooperatives, and cultural spaces that have been fundamental to their integration and contribution to Paraguayan society.
Connecting generations through shared heritage
The new museum is positioned as a key space for connecting the past with the present. The initiative aims to preserve collective memory and strengthen a sense of belonging in an era of rapid informational change.
Tanaka: “Today, young people have everything at the click of a button, but seeing these objects allows them to appreciate the effort and the conditions in which the first immigrants lived.”
2026 commemorative events
The commemorative agenda for 2026 includes a wide variety of activities, such as traditional festivals (matsuri), sports competitions, food fairs, and large-scale cultural events. Major highlights include the Nihon Matsuri, which is expected to draw thousands of attendees, like it did in 2025, and the Kimono Show, scheduled for July at the Grand Theatre of the Central Bank of Paraguay.
Through these events, Paraguay and Japan celebrate a 90-year relationship and a shared story that continues to evolve, where modern trends coexist with timeless traditions.
