On 17 and 18 June, Madrid will host, for the second year running, a major event called Itamae, which brings together the most representative aspects of Japanese culture and gastronomy.
This event, supported by the Japanese Embassy, will take place this year in the Delicias Ibercaja space throughout the weekend and will be attended by the Japanese ambassador, Takahiro Nakamae. Itamae is organised by Balfegó, a company specialising in the fishing and marketing of bluefin tuna, a species that is deeply rooted in Japanese cuisine.
The aim of Itamae, which has established Japan Day in Spain, is to bring the general public closer to the most important aspects of Japanese culture through shows, exhibitions, tastings and workshops. Thus, from 10 a.m., when it will open its doors, until 9 p.m. on both days, those attending Itamae will be able to learn, but also participate, in the different disciplines that will take place in different areas of the event venue.
Among them, and by way of example, there will be taiko (traditional Japanese drum) and koto (a 12-stringed instrument that is thousands of years old in Japan) concerts. Visitors will also be able to learn about the traditional tea ceremony, learn to dance traditional dances such as Bon Odori, practice kitsuke, the art of wearing the kimono, almost a ritual of Japanese culture that brings together different steps to get dressed in this garment quickly and easily, or learn about geisha make-up and Enso, the difficult art of Japanese calligraphy, a fundamental subject that is taught to Japanese children during their primary education. The programme of activities is available here.
