“The Footprints of the Samurai”, the history of the first diplomatic relations between Japan and Spain

The documentary film The Footprints of the Samurai is a feature film that exposes the rich history behind the presence of the surname Japón in Spain and the role of the Keicho embassy in our country. Currently, more than 700 people in the Sevillian town of Coria del Río bear the surname Japón, which has its origin in the presence of the Keicho embassy, which arrived in Spain in 1613 led by the samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga. This trip was undertaken as the first diplomatic and commercial mission from Japan to Spain, composed of 22 authentic Japanese samurai and merchants.

80 minutes long, it tells this legendary journey as well as the story of the discovery of Hasekura Tsunenaga’s identity and past. It has the direction of Juanma Suárez and the production of Enrique Guzmán, both nominated for the Goyas on several occasions and awarded at the Spanish Film Festival of Malaga.

The feature film is based on the book “From Sendai to Coria del Río” by Juan Manuel Suárez Japan and has the presence of Marcelo Japón, CEO, co-founder of HJAPÓN (Alella, El Maresme, Barcelona), partner of CEJE and associate producer of the film.

Marcelo Japón, as a unique case in Barcelona, has associated since 2010 his business activity and corporate image with the legacy of Hasekura and the fusion of the Samurai philosophy with the Mediterranean culture. In the Samurai Palace, as the headquarters of the real estate company is called in HJAPÓN, tribute is paid to the Keicho expedition as it passed through Barcelona.

HJAPÓN’s “Mediterranean Samurai” project is an example of the historical significance of the footprints of Hasekura, both in Coria del Río and throughout Spain. This initiative, which shows the motivation of Japan to continue the work of Hasekura and enhance the encounter between Japanese and Spanish cultures and companies, has been officially presented coinciding with the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries, through the special channel that has enabled the Embassy of Japan in Spain.

They will be able to watch the documentary from the Netflix streaming platform. In addition, to promote this great project, CEJE makes available to all its partners the possibility of obtaining the documentary in DVD format thanks to the generous offer of Marcelo Japón.