Japan's Princess Kako visits Iguacu Falls as Brazil tour ends

SAO PAULO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Princess Kako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito, visited Brazil's Iguacu Falls on Sunday, wrapping up her official visit to the South American nation that marked 130 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko learned about the nature preservation efforts at the national park that encompasses the falls.
The 30-year-old departed Sao Paulo on Sunday night and is scheduled to return to Japan on Tuesday.
In the city of Foz do Iguacu on Saturday, the princess met with first-generation Japanese immigrants, including 98-year-old Shime Nakamura, who worked as both a farmer and tour guide since arriving in the country following World War II.
"It filled my heart with emotion to see her come all the way to Brazil," said Nakamura, a native of Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan.
Brazil is home to the world's largest Japanese immigrant community, made up of approximately 2.7 million people.
Princess Kako visited eight Brazilian cities from June 5, attending commemorative events, paying a courtesy call on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and meeting Japanese immigrants at each stop.

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All you need to know about Japan's unasked-for restaurant appetizers that you have to pay for

Otoshi is a unique part of Japan's restaurant culture that can feel like a scam if you're not ready for it. With record-breaking numbers of foreign tourists visiting Japan, that means there are also record-breaking numbers of foreign tourists eating in Japanese restaurants. And while there's a lot to love about dining out in Japan, from delicious food to sterling service, there's also a potentially awkward, annoying, and confusing aspect to it. When eating at non-fast-food restaurants in Japan, right after you're seated the waitstaff will usually bring you a moist towel. Some restaurants might bring you a cup of tea as well, and another possibility is that your server will bring you an appetizer in a small dish. However, while unasked-for towels and tea are complementary services, the small dish of food is not, and you will be required to pay for it. 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