Spain National Day Reception in Japan 2026

October 12th holds special significance for Spain. It marks the anniversary of the day in 1492 when the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus reached the Americas—an event that symbolizes the historic ties between Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Embassy of Spain in Japan hosted a National Day reception.

Guests being greeted at the entrance of the Embassy of Spain’s National Day reception in Japan, in front of the Studio Ghibli backdrop

This year has been marked by a series of historic achievements for Spain. In the FIFA World Cup held in the United States, the Spanish national team emerged victorious from a grueling battle against the formidable Argentine side, securing the FIFA World Cup trophy for the first time in 16 years—since their triumph in South Africa.

Furthermore, at the Sagrada Família—an iconic symbol of Spain—the pinnacle of its tallest spire, the “Tower of Jesus,” was completed in February 2026. A ceremony commemorating this milestone was held on June 10, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s passing. The event featured a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV, attended by 4,000 guests—including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, as well as Prime Minister Sánchez—while an additional 130,000 people gathered around the basilica.

Currently, diplomatic relations between Japan and Spain are exceptionally friendly. This positive state of affairs serves as a driving force for addressing challenges in collaboration with the broader international community—ranging from the promotion of peace and security and concrete action on climate change, to ensuring that advancements in science and technology benefit people across the globe.

Two guests in conversation inside the reception hall at the Spain National Day event in Japan

Against the backdrop of this positive relationship, Japan’s Studio Ghibli was honored with the Prince of Asturias Award—Spain’s most prestigious accolade—in the category of Communication and Humanities. To mark this, a piece specially designed by Studio Ghibli was displayed at the entrance of this year’s National Day reception.

Guests chatting in front of the Studio Ghibli artwork and Spanish flag at the entrance of the Spain National Day reception in Japan

Meanwhile, in Spain, plans are underway for a Japan-Spain symposium on science, technology, and innovation in Madrid, as well as a visit to Japan by a Spanish economic mission focused on the defense and space sectors. These initiatives are highly regarded as pioneering efforts to connect the industrial sectors of both nations in fields of rapidly growing strategic importance.

Lladró porcelain figurines “The Guest” by Japanese artist Jun Oson on display at the Spain National Day reception in Japan

Amid an atmosphere that underscored the deep friendship between the two nations, the most striking highlight of this year’s National Day was the message delivered by His Excellency Iñigo de Palacio España, Ambassador of Spain to Japan. Ambassador de Palacio España spoke on the contemporary relevance of the philosophy of the “School of Salamanca,” which marks its 500th anniversary this year.

Speaker delivering a message at the podium during the Embassy of Spain’s National Day reception in Japan

In the 16th century, thinkers such as Francisco de Vitoria—the founder of the School of Salamanca—articulated a pioneering vision: that all human beings possess inherent rights (natural law) and universal dignity, and that humanity constitutes a single community. Their contributions—including the concepts that state power has defined limits, that there should be laws applicable to all people, and that the “common good” is of paramount importance—laid the essential foundations for modern international law. For Spain, upholding this historical legacy entails a commitment to steadfastly defend international law, the sovereign equality of states, human dignity, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Ambassador further emphasized that respect for rules can only exist if they are applied “fairly and consistently” to everyone, regardless of whether a nation is a major power or a smaller state.

Amidst a highly uncertain and unpredictable international landscape, discerning which nations are truly friendly allies has become increasingly difficult. Japan and Spain, however, share a deep relationship rooted in common principles—the rule of law, dialogue, and mutual respect—with the Ambassador noting that “Japan serves as a pillar of support for Spain.”

Presentation of a Spanish coat-of-arms plaque on stage at the Spain National Day reception, symbolizing Japan-Spain friendship

Could the coming together of Spain—a major European power—and Japan—situated in the Far East—serve as a driving force for addressing global challenges in collaboration with the broader international community? This could encompass everything from promoting world peace and security and taking concrete action on climate change, to ensuring that advancements in science and technology deliver tangible benefits to people across the globe.

Three smiling guests with drinks at the Spain National Day reception in Japan

Amid a complex international landscape, this wonderful reception served as a poignant reminder of how vital mutual understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect between nations are to the pursuit of peace—and it offered a fresh opportunity to reflect once again on the profound importance of peace itself.