4 days ago
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.
