A gala was hosted by the Consul of Japan, Akira Kusunoki, yesterday at the Alegranza hall in the Palace of Congresses of Canarias, to celebrate the 64th birthday of Emperor Naruhito, which took place on February 23rd. The current emperor has been the Head of State and the constitutionally recognized symbol of the Japanese nation and the unity of its people since 2019. Therefore, yesterday’s event began with all those present listening to the anthems of both countries.
This 2024 is also the last year that Akira Kusunoki will serve as the diplomatic representative of his country in Canarias, so the event also had the essence of his official farewell, making it even more special. To start off, soprano and pianist Satomi Morimoto, who resides in Tenerife, performed the national anthem of Japan. Morimoto’s selection was particularly apt as her vocal range is very versatile, spanning from sacred music and opera to jazz, as well as traditional Japanese music. The official name of the anthem, “Kimi ga yo,” meaning “May your reign last forever,” consists of 32 characters and a soft, solemn melody that lasts for approximately a minute and a half. Being one of the world’s shortest anthems, it is also one of the most beautiful, emotional, and intricate to perform, requiring Morimoto to employ a wide range of vocal techniques in such a brief timespan.
Among the guests, the presence of the Government Delegate in Canarias, Anselmo Pestana; the President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales; and the Councillor of Culture of the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Adrián Santana, stand out, who offered some words at the beginning of the event and gave an overview of the history of Japan in Canarias. Following this, Kusunoki delivered a brief speech discussing the significance of celebrating the 64th anniversary of the Emperor of Japan’s Birthday and highlighting the strong and enduring relations between Japan and Spain.
Connections
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Kusunoki emphasized the longstanding links between Japan and Canarias through the fishing fleet for decades and explained how in recent years, these relations have expanded to other areas such as gastronomy, video games, and animation. Lastly, the consul took the opportunity during his speech to announce his retirement from the diplomatic career in March due to reaching the retirement age, expressing gratitude for the collaborations during his three-year tenure on the island. He also revealed that upon his return to Japan, he will focus on studying the history of Canarias, Spain, and Latin America, as well as their relationship with Japan.
As is customary each year, the focal point of the venue was an intriguing exhibition related to the art and culture of Japan. Attendees had the opportunity to admire a small display of figures and objects belonging to the consulate that are used to celebrate Children’s Day in the Asian country.
The Hina Matsuri is the Doll Festival celebrated every 3rd of March in Japan and dedicated to girls. The display featured several dolls dressed in traditional kimonos on different tiers of a platform. These figures represent characters from the imperial court of the Heian Era, hierarchically ordered and passed down through the generations within the family. On this day, prayers are made for the health and happiness of girls, accompanied by offerings of typical foods from that era. Information leaflets helped explain the origin and significance of this date for the Japanese. Another emblematic element of Japanese culture displayed was an item placed in Japanese homes to commemorate Children’s Day on May 5th. To celebrate the Kodomo no Hi festival, it is customary to hang carp-shaped streamers called koinobori outside houses, as well as in fields and rivers. Similarly, printed information was provided alongside to explain this celebration.
The exhibition also included a showcase by Japan Tobacco International, a Japanese company with offices in Gran Canaria and a factory in Tenerife. It was an interactive exhibition where the Japanese artist residing in Tenerife, Midori Goto, painted live using a Japanese technique called sumi-e on plantain leaves that the artisan from La Palma, Manuel Alexis Rodríguez, who also attended the event, had prepared beforehand. The aim was to showcase the fusion of traditions and cultures from both Japan and Canarias. The two artists were delighted to explain their work to the guests who approached them to inquire about the details of their pieces. Sumi-e is a monochromatic ink drawing technique that, as a distinctive feature, captures the essence of the elements without delving into details.
There was also a stand by the company Jaferi showcasing some food products they import from the Asian country and a specific bar area for guests to enjoy Japanese sake and whisky.
