A History of Japanese Studies in Spain

Abstract

[EN] A brief overview is offered of the whole history of studies related to Japan in Spain. It is a long history, but intermittent. The missionary period presents a very good start full of possibilities but thwarted all too soon. A second period opens during the sakoku in Japan, where missionary-grounded texts are still produced. Then Japanism comes in from Europe, making a solid ground in Spain too. The first Spanish generation of Japanologists is quite late compared with Britain, and centers around the 50's - 90's of last century. Japanese Studies properly speaking are still in the initial stage in Spain at this very moment. University curricula are proof thereof.