"Experience the Soul of Paraguay: A Harp Concert Honoring 90 Years of Migration & Resilience in Japan"

On May 3, 2026, members of Japan’s Imperial Household—Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, and their children—attended a concert in Tokyo celebrating the 90th anniversary of Japanese migration to Paraguay. The event, held at Tokyo Arts Center’s Sky Theater, featured a performance by a duo playing the arpa paraguaya, a distinctive South American harp, and was part of a broader series of commemorative events marking the milestone.

The concert was organized to honor the historical ties between Japan and Paraguay, with the Imperial family invited due to their deep connection to the South American nation. The event underscored the cultural and historical significance of Japanese migration to Paraguay, which began in 1936 and has since shaped the country’s agricultural, economic, and cultural landscape.

According to official announcements from March 2026, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko are scheduled to visit Paraguay in mid-August as part of the commemorative activities. Their trip will include a state visit, attendance at the central anniversary event on August 21, and cultural exchanges celebrating the enduring bond between the two nations. The visit also coincides with the inauguration of the Museo de la Inmigración Japonesa in Paraguay, the first museum dedicated to the history of Japanese immigration in the country.

In addition to the concert and museum inauguration, the 90th anniversary celebrations include a variety of events such as the Palmear Japón festival in Asunción, the release of a commemorative postage stamp, and artistic performances. These activities aim to highlight the contributions of Japanese immigrants and their descendants to Paraguay’s development, as well as to foster greater cultural understanding between the two countries.

Prince Akishino, as the eldest son of Emperor Naruhito and heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne, has long been recognized for his role in promoting international cultural exchange. His visit to Paraguay in August will further solidify the diplomatic and cultural ties between Japan and the South American nation, marking a significant moment in their shared history.

The concert attended by the Imperial family on May 3 served as a poignant prelude to these events, offering a glimpse into the rich musical traditions of Paraguay and the enduring legacy of Japanese migration.

Key Details:

• Event: Concert featuring the arpa paraguaya, a South American harp, performed by a duo.
• Location: Tokyo Arts Center’s Sky Theater, Tokyo, Japan.
• Date: May 3, 2026.
• Attendees: Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, and their children.
• Significance: Part of the 90th anniversary celebrations of Japanese migration to Paraguay.
• Upcoming Event: Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko’s state visit to Paraguay in mid-August 2026.

Sources: わぺけ, NHK News, SWI swissinfo.ch, ABC Color