Asunción, Agencia IP.- Next month, a group of 15 Japanese artists specializing in the art of Ñandutí will visit Paraguay for a cultural and learning tour. This initiative, led by Elena Kanazawa, aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote Paraguayan craftsmanship in Japan.
Elena Kanazawa, a cultural bridge between Paraguay and Japan
Elena Kanazawa, a Paraguayan native residing in Japan, is a prominent promoter of Ñandutí. Her journey into this craft began in Asunción, where she learned from a Japanese woman who offered classes in her free time. After moving to Japan, Elena continued to perfect her technique. She has taught more than 200 people monthly in various cities, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, and Osaka, since 2010. «I learned from a Japanese woman who had a hair salon in Asunción. She taught us in her free time, and I studied for four years, every week,» Elena recalled.
«Japanese women are fascinated by the colors and endless combinations of Ñandutí. You can create accessories, bags, clothes, and coasters. Creativity has no limits, and there are always new people interested in learning,» says Elena. «I have 28 trained teachers and 40 classes in different parts of Japan. I alone teach almost 120 people a month,» she adds.
The Ñandutí tour
This trip to Paraguay, called the «Ñandutí tour,» is the third organized by Elena. Supported by the National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) and the Municipality of Itaguá, the tour offers a rich experience for the participants. During their stay, they will visit Itaguá, known for its Ñandutí tradition, and other iconic places like Yataity and Luque, where they will learn about making Ao Po’i and filigree.
«We will stay in Itaguá, where my students can learn directly from local masters. We will also take the opportunity to enjoy Paraguayan food, such as chipa, bori bori, sopa paraguaya, and mate cocido, all in a setting of cultural exchange,» details Elena. «We want to learn and share with local weavers and learn more about traditional Paraguayan foods,» she adds.
Supporting local artisans
Elena’s work not only focuses on teaching Ñandutí but also on supporting Paraguayan artisans. In collaboration with the Nikkei center in Itaguá, they have organized eye consultations and cataract surgeries for local weavers, funded by the Ñandutí Association of Japan. «The Nikkei center helped us get the necessary machines for eye consultations. Last year, we helped four weavers get cataract surgeries, funding the operations so they could continue weaving,» explains Elena.
In 2022, the Ministry of Women of Paraguay recognized Elena Kanazawa for her contribution to promoting Paraguayan craftsmanship and improving the quality of life for artisans. «The recognition from the Ministry of Women is an honor that reflects our commitment to empowering women through culture and craftsmanship,» highlighted Elena during the award ceremony.
Future prospects
The Ñandutí exhibition organized in Tokyo in March of this year attracted 40 participants, and Elena is preparing a presentation for the Deputy Minister of Culture of Paraguay to showcase the work done by the Ñandutí Association in Japan. «We are excited about future opportunities and remain committed to strengthening cultural ties between Paraguay and Japan,» concludes Elena.
«This trip is an opportunity not only to learn and share knowledge but also to celebrate and preserve a tradition that unites hearts and cultures through art,» says Elena. «The students who have participated before always want to repeat the experience. It is a very enriching cultural exchange, both artistically and humanly.»