Japan-Brazil Relations

January 8, 2023

On January 8 (local time), Foreign Minister Hayashi visited Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he attended a welcome ceremony hosted by the Nikkei community, held a meeting with representatives of Japanese companies, and visited Japan House Sao Paulo. An overview of his visit is as follows.

1. Meeting with representatives of Japanese companies

Foreign Minister Hayashi takes a photo with representatives of Japanese companies
Foreign Minister Hayashi exchanges an opinion about the Japan-Brazil economic relationship

Minister Hayashi stated that Japan and Brazil have a complementary economic relationship, and the two countries have great potential for strengthening economic ties as Brazil’s huge consumer market of approximately 200 million people is expected to develop further. Representatives of Japanese companies explained the current status of their business activities and challenges facing each company, as well as made requests such as support from the Government of Japan toward the improvement of the business environment in Brazil and the start of the negotiation of the Japan-Mercosul Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

2. Visit to the Mausoleum of Pioneers of Japanese Immigration

Foreign Minister Hayashi takes a photo with an executive of the Federation of Associations of Japanese Prefectures in Brazil
Minister Hayashi paid a visit to the Mausoleum of Pioneers of Japanese Immigration and offered prayers and flowers

Minister Hayashi paid a visit to the Mausoleum of Pioneers of Japanese Immigration, guided by an executive of the Federation of Associations of Japanese Prefectures in Brazil, and he offered prayers and flowers.

3. Visit to the Japanese Pavilion

Foreign Minister Hayashi takes a photo with an executive of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance (Bunkyo)
Foreign Minister Hayashi observes the interior of the purely Japanese-style pavilion

Minister Hayashi visited the Japanese Pavilion, where he observed the interior of the purely Japanese-style pavilion, guided by an executive of the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance (Bunkyo). Minister Hayashi had a briefing about the history of the Japan Pavilion and the Nikkei community in Sao Paulo.

4. Visit to the History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil

Foreign Minister Hayashi viewed the exhibits of the History Museum of Japanese Immigration
Foreign Minister Hayashi viewed the exhibits of the History Museum of Japanese Immigration

Minister Hayashi visited the History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil, where he had a briefing from a senior member of the Bunkyo about the history of Japanese immigration to Brazil, the life of immigrants, and the roles Japanese immigrants played in the development of agriculture in Brazil, while viewing the exhibits.

5. Welcome Ceremony Hosted by the Nikkei community

Foreign Minister Hayashi takes a photo with attendees from various organizations
Foreign Minister Hayashi makes remarks in welcome ceremony

Minister Hayashi attended a welcome ceremony held at the Bunkyo Building. Following the welcome remarks by President Ishikawa of the Bunkyo, Minister Hayashi made remarks for attendees of about 30 people from various organizations.
He stated that Nikkei people, whose community in Brazil with approximately 200 million people is the largest in the world, play an active role as a bridge of friendship between Japan and Brazil, and expressed his respect for the past activities and contributions by the Nikkei community.
Furthermore, Minister Hayashi stated that the Government of Japan is willing to strengthen partnership with the Nikkei community further, and has decided to support Nikkei groups such as medical institutions and agricultural organizations and to establish the "Division for Collaboration with Communities of Japanese Immigrants and Descendants (“Nikkei”) in Latin America " within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. He also expressed his intention to support networking among the Nikkei community, including the younger generation.
Afterwards, Minister Hayashi had conversations with the participants.

6. Visit to Japan House Sao Paulo

Foreign Minister Hayashi views the exhibits of the Japan House Sao Paulo.
Foreign Minister Hayashi viewed the exhibits in the Japan Housue building, guided by the Director

Minister Hayashi visited Japan House Sao Paulo (JHSP) and viewed the exhibits in the building, guided by the JHSP Director.


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