“Two groups are coming to Lisbon who will bring very Japanese sounds and rhythms”

This Japan Party at the end of June is already a tradition in Lisbon. Does it also happen in other European capitals?

The Festival of Japan in Lisbon will take place on June 24, from 2pm to 10pm, at Jardim Vasco da Gama in Belém. The Festival of Japan had its first edition in 2011 and will be celebrating its 10th edition this year. The nine previous editions were organized by the Embassy of Japan, this year, with the aim of making this event even more dynamic, the organization was responsible for the Luso-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and maintained the collaboration with the Lisbon City Council , the EGEAC and the Parish Council of Belém. We are very happy that, after 3 years of interregnum, we can resume the Festival of Japan, here in Portugal. I am aware of holding some festivals in Japan in some European countries, namely in Germany and Spain – Barcelona, ​​​​​​that try to recreate a bit the spirit of the “Japanese Matsuri” – our festivals, which are held year-round in Japan.

Will this year be special because of the celebration of the 480th anniversary of the first contact between the Portuguese and the Japanese?

This year we celebrate 480 years of friendship between Japan and Portugal, since the first arrival of the Portuguese on the island of Tanegashima. This exchange of peoples had a significant impact on the cultures of both. Nagasaki Prefecture was the scene of the beginning of this exchange and friendship and for this reason the Japanese Party will host the Nagasaki Governor this year; we believe it is a special milestone in this long friendship between Japan and Portugal.

Can you give three or four examples of activities that are proposed to Japan Party participants?

In this edition we have invited two musical groups from Japan, who will bring very Japanese sounds and rhythms. One group is the drum and flute duo: Tomoro, who is back on stage! The other is an Awa Odori dance troupe, a traditional Japanese dance with more than 450 years of history. Interestingly, in the 19th century, this dance fascinated Portuguese diplomat and writer Wenceslau de Moraes – who even wrote a novel about it; this dance, which fascinated him, which is faithful to tradition but also to innovation, will present a beautiful show on stage, in a modern and colorful version. There will be different aspects, between traditional and pop… the Cosplay parade, demonstration of martial arts; in addition, the presence of various associations, cultural and commercial entities, associated with Japanese culture, will provide information, workshops and Japanese cuisine. We hope to see you and many other people there.

Do you feel there is a strong attraction to Japanese popular culture in Portugal, be it manga and anime or karate and kendo?

Yes, there is a growing interest in different aspects of Japanese culture, whether traditional or more contemporary. I was surprised by the large number of participants in, for example, IberoAnime or those who show an interest in manga and anime. Some people here in Portugal even draw manga, which is very strange. I was also impressed with the Cosplay community, for all the hard work and dedication of their fans. It is admirable to observe practitioners of martial arts such as kendo, judo and karate; I once had the opportunity to visit a judo and kendo match, feeling like I was back in Japan, because you could feel the real Japanese spirit in the air!

Kokoro by Natsume Soseki, a classic of Japanese literature, was published this year in Portuguese. If we think of a more erudite culture, do the Portuguese know the great Japanese writers and filmmakers?

I am impressed by the interest of the Portuguese in film or classic Japanese literature. For example, it should be noted that this year alone there have been more than three film cycles on Japanese classics, with particular emphasis on actress and director Kinuyo Tanaka, a relevant figure in the history of Japanese cinema… Sometimes I am surprised by the vast knowledge of some people on these subjects and in conversations with them I learn new aspects I didn’t know about Japanese writers and the history of cinema.

What cultural activities has the embassy promoted throughout the year?

In fact, the biggest commemorative event will be the Japan Festival in Lisbon, which, organized in collaboration with other entities, will be the event with the greatest dimension and audience involvement. Other activities were also organized, for example a series of articles on the experience of different Portuguese in their relationship with the culture of Japan that we published with the Diário de Notícias, the presentation of drums and several workshops on Japanese culture in the IberoAnime. In addition, the Fundação Oriente is promoting a very interesting exhibition on Japanese festivals and rituals, and the Gulbenkian is finalizing another event, also associated with the celebration of the 480th anniversary. The International Animation Film Festival – MONSTRA, was also a major landmark of the festivities, with Japan being the country of prominence and showing about 100 Japanese animated films. Many organizations, large and small, Japanese and Portuguese, have organized a series of cultural events since January and we are very grateful to see these initiatives and the diversity of events promoting Japanese culture.

He is part of a group of five diplomats at the embassy in Lisbon who speak Portuguese. How did you learn the language?

I studied Portuguese at university in Japan and studied one year at the University of Aveiro. I was fascinated by the beautiful city, the warm people and the delicious food, even the famous soft eggs! Portuguese pronunciation in Portugal was very difficult for me, but all my professors, college friends and relatives were friendly and welcomed me with open arms, which is really an unforgettable memory.

Are the Japanese generally aware of the historical connection between the two countries?

In Japan it is part of the primary school curriculum, where students learn about the arrival of the first Portuguese. Many Japanese are aware of the historical ties between Portugal and Japan and feel closer to Portugal in some way.

[email protected]