The Japan-Spain-Mexico junction monument: A meeting point for memory and friendship

Abstract

The Japan-Spain-Mexico Commemorative Obelisk is a point of confluence of the ties of international friendship between Japan, Mexico, and Spain. The inhabitants and local authorities of Onjuku have made an effort to keep in collective memory the events of September 30, 1609, characterized by the arrival of Rodrigo de Vivero y Aberruza's ship to the shores of Iwawada. This moment would become crucial for relations between the three countries. To the various international exchange activities, the initiative to build this monument would be added, incorporated into the diplomatic narrative of the three countries as a way to justify a long-standing friendship.

Considering the importance that have had this monument in the friendly exchange relations between these countries, this article aims to analyze the process carried out for its construction from a historical-descriptive perspective. The above is done through the information contained in Mexican sources from the Archivo Histórico Diplomático Genaro Estrada, some references from the Diplomatic Historical Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and other newspaper sources from that time, as well as notes and cybergraphic documents.

Likewise, will be identified the management process carried out by the “Society for the Erection of the Memorial Monument of the Origin of Spanish-Japanese Relations” to raise the necessary funds for its construction. This will allow to reflect on its current meaning and importance in the construction of bridges of communication and understanding between Japan, Spain, and Mexico.