Princess Kako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito, visited on June 7 a school in the state of Sao Paulo attended by many Japanese-Brazilian students.

The princess was greeted by the students of Colegio Oshiman, Shohaku waving the Japanese and Brazilian flags and returned smiles and high fives.

Students at this school receive Japanese language education and partake in Japanese culture such as calligraphy and tea ceremony.

The students performed a samba to welcome Princess Kako.

Kako later viewed a booth set up inside the school for the June Festival, a Catholic tradition that celebrates saints and harvests.

The princess suggested they eat the traditional sweets together and said it was delicious.

On June 8, Princess Kako made a visit to Maringa in the state of Parana, where many Japanese-Brazilians live.

Kako watered an ipe tree, also known as a Brazilian walnut, that was planted at Maringa’s culture and sports center in honor of her visit.

Afterwards, she attended a welcome event where she made a speech.

S/ Princess Kako/ 110 years have passed since people from Japan settled in northern Parana. I am thinking of the pioneers who walked a perilous road, and I am once again holding the history of Japanese descendants close to my heart.

A taiko team that includes fourth generation Japanese-Brazilians performed in front of the princess who told them she felt their energy.

Princess Kako’s 11-day tour of Brazil coincides with the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Historically, the first Japanese immigrants came to the country as agricultural pioneers.

Now, Brazil is home to the largest population of people of Japanese descent outside Japan with around 2.7 million people.

Her parents Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko previously visited in 2015 for the 120th anniversary.