Asunción, Agencia IP.- The President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, visited the «Ikigai Paraguay» pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, a platform for investment opportunities. On this occasion, he reaffirmed the unique friendship between Paraguay and Japan, built upon shared histories and common values.
«Today is a special day to celebrate the beautiful relationship that unites us with the beloved nation of the rising sun, that great country which is Japan,» Peña said at the start of his speech at the Paraguayan pavilion.
The President emphasized that despite the geographical distance between Paraguay and Japan, the closeness between the two nations is unique. He recalled that the diplomatic relationship between the two countries dates back over 106 years and is grounded in shared principles and values.
«Japan’s cooperation with Paraguay through JICA and other institutions, which have done so much to improve the quality of life for thousands of Paraguayans, has already spanned over 60 years and continues to grow stronger,» he affirmed.
He also stated that the relationship between the two nations is not built on purely material interests, shifting circumstances, or mere political coincidences. «No, no friendship could last so long or yield so many benefits if it were based solely on such worldly matters,» he said.
«The relationship between our nations is based on shared histories and experiences, and above all, on our belief in the most important values: sacrifice, work, heroism, loyalty, genuine and sincere friendship, and, above all, resilience,» he declared.
At another point in his speech, the President noted that although Paraguay and Japan differ in many ways, they also share significant similarities—among them, having both suffered from isolation throughout much of their histories and from «misunderstanding by other countries and the destructive claws of war,» he added.
«Paraguay and Japan know adversity, heroism, and the hope of reconstruction after destruction. That is why the bond that unites our countries is so strong, so noble, and, I dare say, indestructible,» he remarked.
Paraguay’s strengths
On another note, Peña spoke of Paraguay’s strengths, stating that it represents macroeconomic stability and sustained growth in South America like no other country.
He added that the poverty rate now stands at 20% of the population, the lowest level recorded since the peak in 2002 when it reached 60%.
«We were the fastest-growing economy in 2023 and 2024, and this year, 2025, we are on track to be the best-performing economy in all of Latin America (…) We obtained investment-grade status last year, validating decades of consistent policies that have shaped a robust economy with low inflation and a stable currency,» he asserted.
Peña also noted that the government is investing in infrastructure, digitalization, education, and human capital «to become once again that giant we once were and that we are now determined to become again,» he emphasized.
He added that Expo Osaka 2025 will showcase Paraguay’s value under the concept of «Ikigai»—one’s reason for being—and align with the government’s goal of positioning the country as a reliable destination for trade, investment, and tourism.
«The deepest dimension of our Ikigai lies in what we can offer the world: the most valuable asset we Paraguayans possess — our people, the Paraguayans themselves, and the energy that connects people, economies, and cultures. It is a development model that harmonizes growth with sustainability. It is a young yet vibrant democracy that, having overcome historical adversity, now stands as a space of freedom and opportunity. Paraguay is rich thanks to its people. All of this is part of our Ikigai, and I hope everyone can feel it when visiting our stand at this beautiful exposition,» he said.
The Nikkei community in Paraguay
Peña emphasized that the presence of the community formed by Japanese immigrants and their descendants is one of the most beautiful testaments to this human bridge that transcends oceans and cultures.
He noted that next year marks the 90th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese migrants on Paraguayan soil. They brought with them an invaluable heritage of values, knowledge, and work ethic that has enriched the nation’s fabric.
«I want to express my admiration for my compatriots who have taken on the challenge of settling in Japan—whether to study, work, or start businesses. They are spontaneous ambassadors of our culture, representing us with dignity in Japanese society. They prove that Paraguayans are capable of adapting, learning, and thriving in some of the most demanding and advanced societies on the planet. The ties between Paraguay and Japan are truly human (…) Dear brothers and sisters of Japan, know that you can always count on Paraguay,» he concluded.
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