Latest news with #Japanese-Brazilian
Asahi Shimbun
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
Princess Kako welcomed at Japanese-Brazilian school
Princess Kako visits Colegio Oshiman in Sao Paulo on June 7 to interact with fifth-generation Japanese-Brazilian students at the school. (Yuko Kawasaki) SAO PAULO—Princess Kako visited a school in Sao Paulo on June 7, deepening decades-long ties between Japan's imperial family and the Japanese-Brazilian community. The princess met with students at Colegio Oshiman, a private school with a large number of fifth-generation Japanese-Brazilian children. Yukie Isshiki, 16, who visited Japan earlier this year, gave a welcoming speech in fluent Japanese. She described the moving moment of hearing the emperor speak during his New Year's public appearance, saying, 'My heart trembled.' She shared memories of her homestay and added, 'I love Japan even more now.' Kako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito and the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, smiled and applauded the speech. Although most of the students' parents do not speak Japanese, the children are studying the language three times a week. They also participate in calligraphy, flower arrangement and other Japanese cultural activities each week. BIENNIAL TRIP TO JAPAN Every two years, selected students such as Isshiki travel to Japan for a 50-day educational visit. The trip includes attending the emperor's New Year's greeting—a rare opportunity to see the imperial family members during a public appearance. Mayumi Kawamura Madueno Silva, the school's principal, noted the emotional impact of these cultural ties, saying that even students who don't know the emperor's face are moved to tears when they trace their ancestors' roots in Japan. During Kako's visit, the school celebrated the traditional Brazilian "Festa Junina" (June Festival), showcasing folk dances and homemade sweets. After trying Brazilian treats such as fried tapioca and "brigadeiro" (a chocolate dessert), Kako said they were very tasty. The school also maintains a 50-year tradition of letter exchanges with the emperor emeritus and empress emerita. Students regularly send essays and New Year's greetings. In return, they receive letters from the Imperial Household Agency, reporting that the emperor's parents enjoy reading them. 'We write letters every year and even attended the New Year's greeting in Tokyo, but the imperial family still felt distant,' said Isshiki. 'After meeting Princess Kako today, I felt much closer to them. I want to be kind like her.'
Yomiuri Shimbun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan's Princess Kako Visits Private School in Sao Paulo; Princess Interacts with Students, Samples Local Confectionary
The Yomiuri Shimbun Princess Kako visits a private school in Sao Paulo on Saturday. MARINGA, Brazil — Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, interacted with students during a visit to a private school in Sao Paulo on Saturday. The princess is the first member of the Imperial family to visit the school, known as Oshiman. She was welcomed to the school by students with singing and dancing, and was served traditional local confectionary. 'This is really delicious,' said the princess after eating the sweets. The school, founded in 1993, has about 430 students in total aged from 18-month old preschool children to third-year junior high school. About 70% of the students are of Japanese descent. School principal Mayumi Madueno, 65, is a 3rd generation Japanese Brazilian. Her 96-year-old mother established a Japanese language school in the 1950s after she became concerned that the language and culture inherited from their ancestors would disappear as generations changed. The princess on Sunday traveled by air to Maringa, southwestern Brazil, and attended a welcome ceremony held by a Japanese-Brazilian organization.
Asahi Shimbun
4 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Princess Kako honors Japanese pioneers during Sao Paulo visit
Princess Kako, center, visits the Japanese Pavilion in Sao Paulo's Ibirapuera Park on June 5. (Yuko Kawasaki) SAO PAULO—Princess Kako arrived here on June 5 for an official visit commemorating the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil. In a gesture of remembrance, she visited Ibirapuera Park and paid her respects at a memorial site for early Japanese immigrants there. Kako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito and the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, bowed deeply and laid flowers at the monument. According to local guides, Kako was visibly moved and remarked, 'They must have endured incredible hardships.' Brazil is home to the largest Japanese diaspora in the world, with an estimated 2.7 million people of Japanese descent. During her visit to the park, Kako also toured the Japanese Pavilion, a traditional wooden building donated to the city by the Japanese government and Japanese-Brazilian community in 1954. The princess participated in a ceremonial cherry tree planting at the pavilion's garden and expressed her desire to return. 'I hope to come back during cherry blossom season,' she said. Kako will stay in Brazil until June 15 and plans to visit Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and other destinations.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Be wary of Penang as they stack up high-profile players ahead of new season
Good time to switch: Bruno Suzuki sees the move to Penang as a timely step up in his career. — PDRM FC PETALING JAYA: Penang are wasting no time in bolstering their ranks ahead of the new Super League season, announcing a string of high-profile signings that signal their intent to climb the table in 2025. Leading the charge is seasoned Japanese-Brazilian attacker Bruno Suzuki, midfield workhorse Firdaus Saiyadi, and proven Ivorian goal-getter Tchetche Kipre – names that have already stirred excitement among the Panthers' faithful. The club kicked off a social media blitz this week, unveiling both new arrivals and retained players as they gear up for a fresh campaign. While the departure of long-serving Brazilian centreback Rafael Vitor, who had been with Penang since 2020, leaves a significant void in defence, the buzz surrounding the new recruits has revived optimism among fans. Suzuki, 35, reunites with head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, with whom he enjoyed a productive run at Police in 2021. The forward credits Rohaimi's belief in his abilities as the driving force behind the move. 'Last season, when Police played Penang, Rohaimi came to me and said, 'Join me next season'. I told him to send the contract and he did,' said Suzuki. 'I played as a second striker under him and we clicked, and even though I was mostly setting up chances, I still managed to score seven goals.' Suzuki sees this switch as a timely step up in his career, and expressed gratitude to his former club for laying the foundation. 'I'm not getting any younger, so moving to Penang is the right progression for me – professionally and personally. The timing was perfect, and of course, the offer was better,' he said. 'I owe a lot to Police. They gave me a platform to showcase my ability, and because of them, I stayed relevant in the market.' The veteran forward had two separate stints with Police, first in 2021 and then returning in 2023 from Bangkok FC, continuing until mid-2025. In addition to Suzuki, Kipre and Firdaus, Penang have also snapped up Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik, Chia Ruo Han, centreback Akmal Zahir, and fullback Ahmad Irfan Noor. Rumours are swirling that the Panthers may hire Bosnian winger Danilo Sipovac and Brazilian playmaker Thiago Fernandes. The Malaysian transfer window officially opens on Monday, but Penang's proactive approach shows they are serious about turning things around after last season's 10th-place finish. With experience, flair, and tactical reinforcements on the way, the islanders could well be the dark horses to watch in the upcoming campaign.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Police aim to play it smart in strengthening their team
PETALING JAYA: Police may have a smaller budget but they aim to come out with guns blazing in the new Super League season. They are preparing to assemble the best line-up to face a challenging season, which will include the presence of Brunei and the increased quota of 15 foreign players per squad. The team's chief executive officer ASP Mohd Hafiz Zainal Abidin (pic) said they would address fulfilling of the players quota wisely. 'The selection and quota depend on the coach's wisdom based on actual needs on the field. I can say that throughout last season, we registered seven foreign players, but not all of them were used fully in matches,' said Hafiz. 'We are working hard to assemble the best line-up, and we know others are also preparing. 'We don't want to fall behind. We are evaluating some new imports and will also retain a few existing local players.' Only Jordanian midfielder Fadi Awad will stay on with the club, while Myanmar international Kyaw Min Oo has been offered an extension. Japanese-Brazilian striker Bruno Suzuki has left the club to join Penang, while the likes of Nigerian winger Aremu Timothy and striker Ifedayo Olusegun are linked to Kelantan. Regarding financial constraints last season (2024-2025), Hafiz admitted that Police faced a challenging journey but were still able to endure until the end of the season. 'We were somewhat financially affected last season. But we managed to get through it,' he said. 'It's, however, not an obstacle to continue progressing and strengthening the team this season. The key is to use the available imports effectively. Not just bringing in many but not making an impact on the field. This is about squad management, not just numbers,' he added. He clarified that the team would not fully utilise the 15-player import quota allowed, but the main focus was to maximise their potential. Police are expected to maintain their current structure while making minimal improvements to ensure the team remain stable in the professional league.
