Topic
Tango in Japan
Documented tango activity connected with Japan begins in the 1920s, when a figure named Megata was in Paris learning tango, and continues with the founding of Japanese orquestas típicas in 1930 and 1947 [1][2][3]. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Fujisawa and Hayakawa performed in Japan, and Fujisawa made a first trip to Argentina in August 1953 [3][4].
The sources trace tango's presence in Japan to the 1920s. Between 1920 and 1926, a figure identified as Megata was in Paris learning tango [1].
One source, citing Canuti, dates the first Japanese orquesta típica to 1930 [2]. In 1947, Hayakawa founded the Orquesta Típica Tokyo [3].
Fujisawa and Hayakawa performed for the Argentine navy in Yokohama in June 1948, and Fujisawa debuted with the Orquesta Típica Tokyo at Ciro's in Ginza in 1950 [4]. In August 1953, Fujisawa made a first trip to Argentina [4].
History
Early contact (1920s–1930)
The earliest dated item in the available material concerns Megata, who was in Paris learning tango between 1920 and 1926 [1]. The available material does not describe Megata's later tango activities [1].
A source attributed to Canuti dates the first Japanese orquesta típica to 1930 [2]. The material does not name this orchestra, its leader or its members [2].
Later period (1947–1953)
In 1947, Hayakawa founded the Orquesta Típica Tokyo [3]. In June 1948, Fujisawa and Hayakawa performed for the Argentine navy in Yokohama [4]. In 1950, Fujisawa debuted with the Orquesta Típica Tokyo at Ciro's in Ginza [4]. In August 1953, Fujisawa traveled to Argentina for the first time [4].
People and ensembles
The following people and ensembles appear in the sources [1][2][3][4]:
- Megata, in Paris learning tango, 1920–1926 [1]
- An unnamed first Japanese orquesta típica, dated to 1930 according to Canuti [2]
- Hayakawa, founder of the Orquesta Típica Tokyo in 1947 [3]
- Orquesta Típica Tokyo, founded in 1947 [3]
- Fujisawa, who performed with Hayakawa in 1948 and debuted with the Orquesta Típica Tokyo in 1950 [4]
Venues
Two places in Japan are named in connection with these performances. The June 1948 performance for the Argentine navy took place in Yokohama [4]. Fujisawa's 1950 debut with the Orquesta Típica Tokyo took place at Ciro's in Ginza [4].
References
- ejapo.cancilleria.gob.ar · ejapo.cancilleria.gob.arSource page
- www.abrazosbooks.com · abrazosbooks.com
- tangodori.com · tangodori.com
- www.todotango.com · todotango.comSource page
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