Prime Minister Kishida's Visit to Sao Paulo (Summary)

On May 4 (local time), Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, visited Sao Paulo, Brazil. During the visit, he attended a welcome ceremony hosted by Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and descendants) communities, offered flowers and prayers at the Mausoleum of Pioneers of Japanese Immigration, and visited the Japan Pavilion and Japan House Sao Paulo, among others. The following is a summary of the visit.

1. Attendance at a Welcome Ceremony hosted by Nikkei Communities
Prime Minister Kishida attended a welcome ceremony held at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance (Bunkyo) building. Following the opening address by Mr. Renato Ishikawa, President of Bunkyo, Prime Minister Kishida made remarks in front of approximately 400 Nikkei people from various communities. Referring to the “Eight Values of Nikkei” (“Cooperation,” “Integrity,” “Patience,” “Respect,” “Learning,” “Kindness,” “Responsibility,” and “Gratitude”), which a group of young Nikkei in Sao Paulo compiled through their discussions on Nikkei identity, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japanese people should not forget these values.

Prime Minister Kishida then stated that the Government of Japan would continue various programs such as Training for Nikkei community and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers for Nikkei community to reinforce ties between Japan and the Nikkei community. He announced that, as part of this effort, a new exchange program between Japan and the Nikkei community in Latin America will be launched, which will bring about the exchange with approximately 1,000 people over the next three years, and that Japanese language education in Brazil will also continue to be conducted in cooperation with Nikkei communities.
Afterwards, Prime Minister Kishida attended a luncheon with a number of representatives of Nikkei communities, where scallops from Hokkaido, among others, were served followed by commemorative photo session.

2. Offering of Prayers and Flowers at the Mausoleum of Pioneers of Japanese Immigration
Prime Minister Kishida paid a visit to the Mausoleum of Pioneers of Japanese Immigration located in Ibirapuera Park under the guidance of representatives of the Federation of Associations of Provinces of Japan in Brazil (Kenren) and offered flowers and prayers.

3. Visit to the Japan Pavilion
Prime Minister Kishida visited the Japan Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park, a authentic Japanese-style house and garden, guided by representatives of Bunkyo. He was briefed on the history of the Japan Pavilion and the Nikkei community in Sao Paulo. Prime Minister Kishida planted a commemorative cherry tree and viewed the exhibits in the museum.

4. Visit to Japan House Sao Paulo
Prime Minister Kishida visited Japan House Sao Paulo (JHSP), and under the guidance of JHSP Honorary Director Ricupero and others, he viewed the exhibits such as robots, Japanese sake, and fashion, and attended a ceremony held at JHSP to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the opening of JHSP.