Ana Aragão in Nagasaki: An Artistic and Cultural Mission to Strengthen Ties between Portugal and Japan
In October 2024, artist Ana Aragão and her team embarked on a memorable journey to Nagasaki, Japan, as part of an artistic and cultural mission aimed at deepening the bonds between Porto and Nagasaki, sister cities, and exploring new opportunities for creative and cultural collaboration. This trip marked the beginning of a creative dialogue that unites the histories and cultures of both countries through art.
The purpose of the visit was to explore possibilities for future exhibitions, public art projects, and cultural partnerships that highlight the strong connection between Nagasaki and Porto. Ana Aragão’s presence was a fundamental part of the effort to create a cultural and artistic dialogue between the two cities, celebrating the exchange between Portugal and Japan.
Upon the arrival at the Nagasaki Prefecture building: the warm and thoughtful welcome organized by the Nagasaki Prefecture to receive Ana Aragão and Patrícia Azevedo, the Project Manager of the Atelier team.
During their stay, Ana and her team had the opportunity to meet with local leaders and representatives from the arts and culture scene, discuss collaborations, and explore how her work can reflect the uniqueness of Nagasaki and Japan.
Meeting with Ms. Hiromi Ohnishi, President of NCC, television network headquartered in Nagasaki. >> Ana with Brian Burke-Gaffney, Honorary Director of the Former Glover House. >> TV coverage by NCC of the walkabout in the Higashi Yamate area, the former Foreign Settlement, guided by Mr. Koichi Kirino, a prominent civic activist and representative of an NPO dedicated to revitalizing the local community in Nagasaki. >> Visit to the private home of Professor Samejima, Nagasaki architect deeply involved in the development of Higashi Yamate area. >> Overview of Nagasaki Harbor from Higashi Yamate. >> Visit to embroidery craftsman Shota Kasei, designated as an Intangible Cultural Property by Nagasaki Prefecture in 2010. >> With Fumihiro Sakakibara, CEO and President of Mile Post Consultants, in Teramachi (meaning Temple Town).
This mission would not have been possible without the support of several entities that embraced the initiative with enthusiasm and dedication:
Porto City Hall, whose institutional support has been crucial to the success of this mission.
Ambassador Ota Makoto, who facilitated meetings and dialogues with local authorities and institutions, playing a key role in consolidating this exchange.
Mile Post Consultants: a special thanks to Fumihiro Sakakibara and his wonderful team, Maho Saito and Mika Ezaki, who were tireless in organizing and coordinating the entire itinerary and contacts in Nagasaki. Their competence, hospitality, and dedication provided a solid foundation for future collaboration.
Celebrating the success of the trip in Nagasaki: the Portuguese team, Ana and Patrícia, together with the Japanese team, Fumihiro Sakakibara and Maho Saito, from Mile Post Consultants, and Mika Ezaki from NCC VERE.
Among the highlights of the trip, Ana Aragão and her team were warmly received by various cultural and political institutions in Nagasaki. Some of the most significant meetings included:
Nagasaki Prefectural Government: We had the privilege of meeting with the Governor of Nagasaki, Mr. Kengo Oishi, who warmly expressed his support for future collaborations. In a generous gesture, the Prefecture extended an offer for Ana to hold an exhibition in its iconic building. Additionally, the cultural department showed strong interest in supporting a 2026 exhibition of Ana Aragão’s work at the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, further solidifying the growing cultural exchange.
Nagasaki City Hall: We were honored to meet with the Mayor of Nagasaki, Mr. Shiro Suzuki, who warmly welcomed Ana and her team, further reinforcing the importance of the cultural exchange between Nagasaki and Porto.
Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture: We were delighted by the hospitality and openness of this institution, which showed interest in exhibiting Ana’s works in a temporary exhibition, as well as potentially incorporating one of her most iconic pieces, O Auto da Barca do Efémero, the Biombo, into their permanent collection. The prospect of having this piece on permanent display is an immeasurable honor for the artist and her team.
Japan-Portugal Society of Nagasaki: During our meeting with President Mr. Takujiro Mori and other society members, we discussed potential collaborations that will strengthen cultural and artistic connections between Portugal and Japan. The Japan-Portugal Society also expressed willingness to support future initiatives.
Ana and the Governor Mr. Kengo Oishi. >> Meeting with Mayor Mr. Shiro Suzuki. >> With Mr. Yoichirou Murakami, General Manager of the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, and the museum's team of curators. >> With Ms. Valentina Ondino from the Public and International Relations department of the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, and Mr. Tamotsu Tomono, Vice Director and General Manager. >> Meeting with Chairman Mr. Mori and members of the Japan-Portugal Society of Nagasaki.
Another amazing highlight of the visit was attending the vibrant Nagasaki Kunchi Festival. With over 400 years of history, the Kunchi is one of Japan’s oldest and most significant festivals, combining impressive parades and traditional dances with a deep cultural and religious heritage. The festival features parades by groups representing various districts of Nagasaki. Each district (odori-cho) participates only once every seven years, which keeps the festival fresh and exciting year after year. We were especially captivated and moved by the intense and contagious human energy, with each participant and spectator sharing a spirit of joy and devotion that filled the city’s streets. It was a breathtaking and unforgettable experience that deeply connected us to the rich culture of Nagasaki.
The visit to Nagasaki was a resounding success, laying the groundwork for several future initiatives. The positive interactions with political leaders, cultural organizations, and the local community reinforced the project’s potential to foster understanding and friendship between Portugal and Japan. We are currently discussing options for the 2026 exhibition at the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum and evaluating the feasibility of a public art project celebrating the cultural exchange between Porto and Nagasaki.
Additionally, we have already confirmed exhibitions at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka and in Morioka city (April 2025), further strengthening Ana’s presence in Japan. We are also in contact with consultants to secure a place at the Tokyo Art Fair in 2026, which will open new doors for Portuguese art on the global stage.
Photo Credits: Maho Saito, Ana Aragão, Patrícia Azevedo.
