Natsu Valencia (the other) Land of the Rising Sun

In Spain, Valencia is known as the land of the rising sun, situated as it is on the east coast, the first place to see the sun rise.

Unfortunately, Japan seems to have a copyright on the name, and so it is fortunate that Natsu Valencia organised a festival of Japanese culture here in Valencia on 2nd and 3rd June 2018, so that Valencia and Japan could compare and contrast their cultures.

The festival took place in the Pechina Cultural centre, in the street of the same name and started at high noon both days.

Among the attractions was Ruki, a Young Spanish girl who has caused a storm in Japan with her Anisong, publishing 4 albums of songs in Japanese.

Mitsuru Nagata is from Kioto although he currently resides in Barcelona. He is a painter in the traditional Japanese style of sumi-e and shodô.

Tetsuro Naitô plays a Japanese drum called taiko. He is based in Tokyo and has produced various albums of traditional music.

Tomoko Takeda, also plays the taiko and varios other instruments such as the nôkan flute. As well as traditional music, he participates in fusions with jazz.

Akira Katog performs the traditional Japanese dance nihon buyo and has given shows in Paris, USA and Canada.

Etsuro Ono plays the tsugaru shamisen, another traditional instrument.

A series of stalls offered typical Japanese food, as well as toys and games at this typical Matsuri festival.