Japan’s Princess Kako Visits Brazil to Mark 130 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Japan's Princess Kako of Akishino arrives to Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Princess Kako of Akishino, niece of Emperor Naruhito of Japan, was formally received on Wednesday by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a private ceremony in Brasília. The visit is part of an 11-day official tour of Brazil commemorating the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Brazil.

The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko addressed Brazil’s Congress during her visit, where she expressed gratitude to the Brazilian people for welcoming Japanese immigrants for over a century.

Japan's Princess Kako of Akishino arrives to Congress for a session in her honor by the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

“The efforts of the Japanese who came, and the Brazilians who went to Japan, are deepening our bilateral relationship of friendship,” Princess Kako told lawmakers. “I hope that the relationship between the two countries is a long lasting one.”

Congress speaker Hugo Motta responded by highlighting Brazil’s potential contribution to Japan’s energy transition. “I hope Brazil’s ethanol can help Japan reduce its dependency on fossil fuels,” he said.

Japan's Princess Kako of Akishino attends a Congress session in her honor at the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Brazil is home to the largest population of people of Japanese descent outside Japan, with approximately 2.7 million individuals, nearly half of whom reside in São Paulo state. Last week, the governor of São Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas, awarded Princess Kako the state’s highest honor in recognition of the enduring ties between the two nations.

Although Princess Kako is a member of the imperial family, she is not in line for the throne due to Japan’s male-only succession laws. Her father, Crown Prince Fumihito, is the first in line to succeed Emperor Naruhito, who has no sons.

Japan's Princess Kako of Akishino and Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira stand before the press as they arrive at Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Princess Kako is set to continue her Brazilian tour with a visit to Rio de Janeiro on Friday, where she will see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and tour the Japanese Immigration Museum. She will conclude her trip in Foz do Iguaçu, home to the world-famous Iguaçu Falls.