【Report】Co-hosting of the 22nd Pan American Nikkei Convention (COPANI) and the Dispatch of Ms. Akie Abe to São Paulo, Brazil

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) promotes mutual understanding through exchanges among opinion leaders, including politicians, with the aim of strengthening ties between Japan and the Nikkei communities in South America.
In this context, the 22nd Pan American Nikkei Convention (COPANI: Convención Panamericana Nikkei) was held in São Paulo, Brazil, hosted by Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance (Bunkyo) and the Pan-American Nikkei Association, and co-hosted by SPF and other organizations.

As part of SPF’s initiatives, Ms. Akie Abe, Chairperson of Foundation for Social Contribution, was dispatched to São Paulo, Brazil. She attended COPANI, which brought together Nikkei participants from 15 countries across North and South America, including Japan, and delivered a speech addressed to the Nikkei community.

COPANI serves as a valuable platform for sharing a wide range of issues and developments related to the culture, history, politics, and economy of Nikkei communities across North and South America. It also provides an opportunity to deepen cross-border discussions, strengthen collaboration, and foster personal connections among participants. COPANI is held biennially within the region, and this year marks the third time it has been hosted in Brazil.

Upon arrival at the Bunkyo office, the venue of COPANI, a visit was made to the stone monument bearing the inscription “Nippaku Hanei Juntos (Japan–Brazil Prosperity Together),” which was calligraphed during former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's 2014 visit to the site. Ms. Akie Abe had also visited Brazil at that time as the spouse of the Prime Minister.

The series of visits and related activities has been covered exclusively by the local Nikkei media outlet, Brasil Nippou (available only in Japanese and Portuguese).

Convenção Panamericana Nikkei é inaugurada, reunindo 400 pessoas de 22 países, com participação especial de Akie Abe, viúva do ex-primeiro-ministro Shinzo Abe

“Vocês são os melhores!”; Texto integral do discurso de Akie Abe, viúva do ex-primeiro-ministro

Laços que atravessam o oceano e chegam à terceira geração: visita de Akie Abe à Associação de Yamaguchi

[118 ANOS DA IMIGRAÇÃO JAPONESA] Sra. Akie Abe renova laços com a comunidade nikkei; Honrando os desejos do falecido primeiro-ministro Shinzo Abe; "Meu marido jamais se esqueceu dos nikkeis"
 

SPF will continue to work toward building networks among opinion leaders, including politicians, in Japan and the Nikkei community, and will further contribute to promoting mutual understanding through enhanced exchanges.
 

Please note that the images may not be reproduced, captured (including screenshots), or reused for secondary purposes without prior permission.
 

Contact Information:
Contact person: Ms. Kaoru Kajigayama
Strategic Dialogue and Human Resource Development Program,
Sasakawa Peace Foundation
E-mail: asia@spf.or.jp