Ties between Japan and Spain: Historical and Cultural Exchange

Japan and Spain: A Bond Shaped by History and Cultural Exchange

Discovery of Virginio Japón’s Calligraphy and the Activities of the Japón–Hasekura Association Highlight the Deep Ties Between the Two Nations

During a visit to “Ire! Hasekura” on December 21, a remarkable discovery was made at the local museum: a piece of calligraphy reading “Japan,” written by Virginio Japón.

Virginio Japón—uncle of the current chairman of the Japón-Hasekura Association, Juanfran—was the first person from Coria del Río to investigate why the surname “Japón” was so common in his hometown. His research revealed that many residents were descendants of the samurai envoys who visited Spain as part of the Keichō Embassy in 1614. This finding brought him wide recognition. When his delegation visited Sendai in 1991 at the invitation of Miyagi Prefecture, they also stopped in Kawasaki Town, where Virginio left behind this handwritten “Japan.”

Meanwhile, the Japón–Hasekura Support Association held a kick-off party in Sendai.

On the following day, the film Japón-san was screened at “Ire! Hasekura,” the former Hasekura Elementary School in Kawasaki Town, which has been reborn as a community center and new symbol of the town.

This location—known as the place where Hasekura Tsunenaga spent his final years—served as a fitting venue for showing a film that symbolizes the enduring bond between Japan and Spain.

Meanwhile, the Japón–Hasekura Support Association held a kick-off party in Sendai.

On the following day, the film Japón-san was screened at “Ire! Hasekura,” the former Hasekura Elementary School in Kawasaki Town, which has been reborn as a community center and new symbol of the town.

This location—known as the place where Hasekura Tsunenaga spent his final years—served as a fitting venue for showing a film that symbolizes the enduring bond between Japan and Spain.

In summary, the discovery of Virginio Japón’s calligraphy and the activities of the Japón–Hasekura Association serve as powerful reminders of the historical connections and cultural exchanges that strengthen the friendship between Japan and Spain.

A Chain of Events Showcasing Friendship and Diversity Between Japan and Spain

Charity concerts, support for disaster-affected youth soccer teams, and international choral exchange activities

Tsunenaga Bodaijyo

Let’s cheer for Cobaltore Onagawa!

Supporting Youth in Disaster-Hit Areas Through Music and Sports

At the 2nd JCH Regular Concert, the “Kaze no Wa” Children’s Choir is raising funds to support the junior U-15 team of Cobaltore Onagawa, a soccer club from the disaster-affected Ishinomaki region.

The funds will send the team to Spain, where next spring they will play friendly matches—the Hasekura Cup—with youth teams from Real Betis (the club where player Inui once played) and FC Coria in Coria del Río, the hometown associated with the Japón surname. During this period, the Kaze no Wa Children’s Choir will also travel to Coria del Río to support the team and carry out their mission of cultural exchange.

JCH Mixed Choir “Tomo” Recital

2nd “Let’s Search for the Rainbow Together” Concert

Date: Sunday, December 2, 2018

Location: Good Shepherd–Faith Presbyterian Church 152 W 66th St, New York, NY 10023

Doors open: 5:30 PM

Concert begins: 6:00 PM

Theme Song:

Let’s Search for the Rainbow Together

Stage 1 – Popular Songs

• Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyugeshiki

• Wakai Kisetsu

• Kokoro Moyō

• Hanamizuki

Stage 2 – Mixed Chorus Suite “The Four Seasons of the Heart”

Guest Performances

• Kaze no Wa Children’s Choir

• Japan Club Men’s Chorus

• Kaze no Wa Chamber Ensemble

Bernstein 100th Anniversary Medley – from West Side Story

Performed with accompaniment by the Kaze no Wa Chamber Ensemble

Encore

Mascagni: Ave Maria

Finale

Kitajima (with choreography)