During 2018, Spain and Japan will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the two countries establishing diplomatic relations. The historic milestone will be celebrated with a wide range of activities both in terms of high-level meetings, as well as cultural, economic, and societal events.
This 150th anniversary comes at an optimal time for bilateral relations following the State Visit of their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain to Japan in April of 2017. Currently, Japan is Spain’s second largest commercial partner in Asia, with Spain being the sixth supplier to Japan among EU countries. Nearly a half million Japanese citizens and 100,000 Spaniards visited the other’s country in 2016, a year in which more than 6 billion Euro in commercial transactions were made.
The Organising Committee for the 150th anniversary of Spanish-Japanese relations is comprised of governmental institutions, associations, and foundations from both countries.
Included among the most important activities that will take place in Japan is the “Velázquez and the celebration of painting. The Golden Age at the Museo del Prado” exposition starting in February.
In Spain, the line-up will include festivals, exhibitions, and Japan’s special attendance at numerous events, such as Fitur 2018, the Madrid Fusión culinary event, the celebration of the Day of Japan in Toledo, or the “47 Ronin” exhibition of Japanese engravings. On the website of the Japanese Embassy in Spain, up-to-date information can be found on all the events that will take place in Spain over the course of the year.
