During the event, held at the Cervantes Institute, Cuban Ambassador Miguel Ramirez said that 2023 has been a fruitful year in terms of cultural exchanges between Cuba and Japan.

“It is gratifying to see the Japanese public enjoying Cuban culture in its maximum expression, with live music concerts, art exhibitions, film and salsa festivals, among other events,” he stressed.

According to the diplomat, the screening of the film, directed by Spanish moviemaker Icíar Bollaín, was a tribute to Japanese viewers, as well as to Cuba’s cultural wealth which, despite the geographical distance, has captivated many Japanese.

“Yuli (2018) tells with deep sensitivity the story of Carlos Acosta, who became the first black dancer to play some of the most famous roles within the BNC,” the ambassador reviewed.

Ramirez stressed that 155 years ago today, the notes of “La Bayamesa”, the Cuban independence anthem that has become a national symbol, were sung for the first time in the city of Bayamo, in eastern Cuba.

Cervantes Institute Director Victor Andresco took the opportunity to bid farewell to the Cuban ambassador, who will conclude his official mission in Tokyo soon.

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