Fado, a Portuguese musical genre deeply rooted in Portuguese culture, has won admirers worldwide, including the Japanese, whose taste for this style of music has grown significantly over the years. This connection is mainly due to the legendary fado singer Amália Rodrigues, whose art and charisma transcended borders and cultures.
Amália Rodrigues, often called the 'Queen of Fado', was crucial in introducing and popularising fado in Japan. Amália sang in Japan for the first time in 1970 at the celebration of Portugal Day at Expo 70 in Osaka. Her unique voice and the emotional depth of her interpretations touched the hearts of many Japanese.
Japan, known for its rich cultural tradition and appreciation of melancholic and introspective art forms, found an emotional affinity with fado, identifying it with Enka. This Japanese musical genre also deals with sad themes.
Fado's popularity in Japan has also contributed to an increase in cultural tourism, with many Japanese visiting Portugal to experience the music in its original context. This strengthens bilateral relations culturally, economically, and in tourism.
Amália's influence in this country has extended beyond music, promoting a more significant interest in Portuguese culture and language in Japan. Events such as fado festivals in Japan and concerts by Portuguese fado singers in the Asian country have become more frequent, reflecting a growing mutual interest.
Amália Rodrigues, often called the 'Queen of Fado', was crucial in introducing and popularising fado in Japan. Amália sang in Japan for the first time in 1970 at the celebration of Portugal Day at Expo 70 in Osaka. Her unique voice and the emotional depth of her interpretations touched the hearts of many Japanese.
Japan, known for its rich cultural tradition and appreciation of melancholic and introspective art forms, found an emotional affinity with fado, identifying it with Enka. This Japanese musical genre also deals with sad themes.
Fado's popularity in Japan has also contributed to an increase in cultural tourism, with many Japanese visiting Portugal to experience the music in its original context. This strengthens bilateral relations culturally, economically, and in tourism.
Amália's influence in this country has extended beyond music, promoting a more significant interest in Portuguese culture and language in Japan. Events such as fado festivals in Japan and concerts by Portuguese fado singers in the Asian country have become more frequent, reflecting a growing mutual interest.
In 2022 was released the album 'Amália no Japão’ (Amália in Japan) which brings together recordings of the fado singer made live in 1970.
