Lula and Janja are welcomed by Japan’s imperial couple
On Wednesday (Mar. 26), Brazilian President Lula will take part in the Brazil–Japan Business Forum, with some 500 executives from both nations, and should have a meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, followed by a dinner at Akasaka Palace.
Among the commercial goals of the trip is to open up the Japanese market to Brazilian beef and make progress in talks for an agreement between the Asian giant and the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay).
In his first engagement since arriving in Japan on Monday (24), the president, accompanied by First Lady Janja da Silva, was received by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. The ceremony took place with military honors at the Imperial Palace in the Japanese capital.
This year, Brazil and Japan celebrate 130 years of diplomatic relations. Brazil is home to the largest population of Japanese descent outside Japan—2 million people—while Japan is home to the fifth largest Brazilian community abroad—some 200 thousand people.
After the reception, President Lula and Janja greeted the Japanese delegation to the sound of Brazilian songs, including Aquarela do Brasil by Ary Barroso, performed by the host country’s imperial military band. the Brazilian president then went to a private meeting with the imperial couple.
Following the private meeting and greetings from the imperial couple to the Brazilian delegation, the president is scheduled to have a private lunch.
At around 3 pm local time (3 am Brasília time), President Lula should meet with members of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporters (ABIEC). In the early evening on Tuesday, his delegation will attend a dinner hosted by the imperial majesties.
President Lula’s last visit to Japan was in 2023, when he attended the G7 Summit as a guest. In all, this is the fifth time he has visited Japan as president.
On March 28 and 29, he is expected to pay an official visit to Vietnam. The president returns to Brazil on March 30.
