The National Post Office of Paraguay (Dinacopa) has officially put into circulation a new series of commemorative stamps. This special stamp issuance, managed by the organisation’s Philatelic Advisory department, marks the upcoming 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the country, a period celebrated from 1936 to 2026. A total of 3,000 stamps have been released to honour this milestone in the nation’s history.
The official launch ceremony for the stamps was held in the Bicameral Room of Paraguay’s National Congress. The event was attended by a host of national authorities, diplomatic representatives, and prominent members of the Nikkei community, reflecting the importance of the occasion for both Paraguay and Japan.
A design that unites cultures
Each of the new postal stamps has a unique value of ₲10,000 (approximately US$1.60)). Their design features a central artwork by artist Yuki Hayashi, which beautifully merges symbols from both cultures. The primary motif is origami, the intricate Japanese art of paper folding, which is recognised worldwide as a symbol of Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
This origami imagery is thoughtfully placed against a background inspired by ñandutí, one of the most representative symbols of Paraguayan textile art. This traditional lacework is known for its delicate and complex patterns. Consequently, the composition of the stamp serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the cultural encounter between Paraguay and Japan, highlighting shared values such as dedication, artisanal delicacy, and the transmission of knowledge across generations.
Historical memory and tribute
Beyond the central artwork, the philatelic issue incorporates additional historical context. The stamp sheet is complemented by a historic photograph from the La Colmena colony. This image portrays the daily life of the first Japanese immigrants in the country, with a particular focus on their contributions to the agricultural sector.
This photograph adds a significant documentary and human value to the stamp, paying tribute to the effort, adaptation, and perseverance of the immigrant families as they established new lives in Paraguayan territory. Furthermore, the stamp sheet includes a vignette with the official 90th-anniversary logo. This element reinforces the institutional nature of the emission and visually connects the past with the present celebration.
Honouring a lasting legacy
With this carefully designed emission, the Paraguayan postal service formally pays tribute to one of the migrant communities that has contributed most profoundly to the nation’s development. The Japanese community’s influence has been pivotal in advancing the country’s agricultural, cultural, and social landscapes over many decades.
The commemorative stamps are now available to the public, acting as a tangible reminder of the lasting legacy of Japanese immigration in Paraguay.
A symbolic launch event
The special stamp launch event ceremony was presided over by Senator Hermelinda Alvarenga de Ortega and Deputy Rodrigo Blanco. Among the distinguished guests was Katsumi Itagaki, the Ambassador of Japan in Paraguay, and Arfiya Eri, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Members of the Paraguayan-Japanese community and other special invitees were also present to witness the unveiling of the new philatelic issue. The gathering celebrated the deep-rooted connections and the cultural fusion that has developed over the past nine decades since the first Japanese immigrants arrived in Paraguay.
