The 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay was commemorated on September 2 in Encarnación, at a meeting that also highlighted the contribution of other foreign communities to the country's economic, social and cultural development.
The Commemorative Meeting for the 90th Anniversary of Japanese Immigration to Paraguay took place in the Central Auditorium of the Autonomous University of Encarnación (UNAE), as part of the program of the 22nd Encarnación Book Fair, held under the slogan “Reading and Culture for Peace.” The event was organized by the Embassy of Japan and the university.
The opening was attended by Japan's ambassador to Paraguay, Katsumi Itagaki, and UNAE rector Nadia Czeraniuk. Itagaki said Paraguay's development cannot be explained solely by the history of the Japanese community.
“Those who contributed to Paraguay's economic and social development were not only the Japanese, but also other foreign immigrants,” the diplomat said. He highlighted the effort, knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit of people who arrived in the country and contributed to the growth of productive, educational, cultural and social sectors.
The main discussion was the panel “The contribution of immigrants to Paraguay's economic development and the outlook for the future,” moderated by Itagaki. Participants were Andrés Trociuk, honorary consul of Ukraine in Paraguay; Matías Kobayashi, historian and professor; Jaime Kurosu, president of Kurosu & Cía. and John Deere's representative in the country; and Ronaldo Dietze, former rector of San Carlos University, former senator and former vice minister of Agriculture.
The panel brought together experiences and analyses of the influence of immigrant communities on Paraguay's economic transformation, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing new generations. Possibilities for expanding international cooperation and harnessing cultural diversity in future development were also discussed.
The event closed with a performance by the Encarnación Taiko Club, featuring traditional Japanese music and percussion. The cultural activity was presented in the context of the history of thousands of Japanese families and the contribution of other communities that settled in Paraguay.
Over 90 years, the Japanese community has consolidated cultural, educational and social ties, also helping deepen the historical friendship and cooperation between Paraguay and Japan.