19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
Junko Hagiwara dances her way to flamenco history in Spain
In the birthplace of flamenco, a storm of applause along with a scattering of boos greeted the announcement of the winner of one of the world's most prestigious competitions in the Spanish dance art form.
A Japanese name resounded through the packed competition hall in the southeastern Spanish town of La Union on Aug. 10 last year.
"The winner of the dance division is ... La Yunko!"
Junko Hagiwara, 49, walked to the center of the stage and received her trophy—an emblem of a historic achievement as the first Japanese flamenco artist to win the honor.
Established in 1961, the Cante de las Minas International Festival is celebrated as one of the world's premier flamenco competitions, standing alongside Cordoba's Concurso Nacional de Arte de Flamenco (National Flamenco Art Contest) as a pinnacle of excellence in the art.
Throughout its rich history, the festival had never seen a non-Spaniard claim victory in the dance division in La Union. That is, until Hagiwara achieved this remarkable milestone.
Hagiwara's journey into flamenco began in her junior high school years when she first encountered the raw, soul-stirring melody of a flamenco guitar. The sound struck her like lightning, sparking a deep yearning to embrace the dance herself.
'I want to dance,' she thought, and from that moment, the seeds of her dream were planted.
EXPLORING THE FLAMENCO—DANCE, SONG AND MUSIC
At Waseda University, she joined the flamenco club, embarking on formal training under some of Japan's foremost dancers. Through disciplined practice, she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the art.
Yet, the deeper she delved into flamenco, the more she found herself gripped by a growing uneasiness.
'The more I learned, the more I felt as though I was drifting away from the flamenco I truly sought,' she reflected.
After graduating, she entered the workforce, but her unwavering desire to uncover the essence of flamenco never dimmed. Defying her parents' objections, she packed her bags and journeyed to Seville--the heartland of flamenco in Andalusia, southern Spain.
In Seville, Hagiwara refined her technique under the guidance of some of the foremost flamenco masters. Yet, her artistic evolution extended beyond formal lessons. She immersed herself in a 'pena'--an intimate club where local flamenco aficionados gathered where technical mastery alone could not ignite the room.
In true flamenco performances, a heartfelt cry of 'Ole!' bursts forth from the audience, driven by genuine emotion.
It was in these spirited gatherings of passionate enthusiasts that she cultivated a deeper appreciation for flamenco as a living, breathing art form—not merely the dance, but also the soulful singing and intricate guitar melodies that give it life.
DANCING THROUGH THE WALL OF RACE
As a Japanese professional flamenco dancer in the birthplace of the art, Hagiwara frequently encountered barriers rooted in race and culture.
'I know you're a skilled dancer,' a stage owner told her, 'But there's one problem—you're Japanese.'
Her nationality led to rejection, denying her an opportunity to perform. Yet, those who recognized the depth and soul in her dancing stood by her, urging her to persevere.
When Hagiwara first entered the Cante de las Minas competition, she was eliminated in the preliminary round. As this year's contest approached, doubt crept in: 'I'm Japanese. I'm older than the other dancers. Maybe I won't even make it to the finals.'
But she reminded herself, 'I've faced these walls time and again. This is nothing new to me now.'
Her performance, infused with the essence of her life experiences and relentless dedication, won over the judges and critics alike. "I liked her more than her competitors for three reasons: her classicism, the fact that she did not dance for the gallery, that is, for the public, and, finally, her good training," flamenco critic Manuel Bohorquez wrote in the online newspaper Sevilla Info.
Holding the trophy felt almost unbearably heavy—not just the weight of the award itself, but the profound responsibility it symbolized.
'There's so much to learn,' Hagiwara reflected. 'A lifetime isn't enough. I want to keep dancing with love and respect—and contribute to the culture of flamenco.'
Junko Hagiwara's Journey:
1976: Born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
1994: Began flamenco at Waseda University through club activities
2002: Moved to Seville, Spain, and studied under top flamenco masters
2007: Began teaching flamenco in Seville; also held short-term workshops in Japan
2024: Became the first non-Spaniard to win the dance division at the Cante de las Minas International Festival
