HISPANIC-JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER

The headquarters of the Hispano-Japanese Cultural Center is located in the Palacio de Arias Corvelle, built in 1470 in San Boal square. Originally, the palace occupied the entire eastern flank of the square, although over time it was divided into two properties, a division that still remains, with the current Hispano-Japanese Cultural Center occupying one part and the former San Eloy Academy of Fine Arts, now Fundación Caja Duero, occupying the other.

Throughout its history, it has received different names, depending on its owners: Palacio de Arias Corvelle, after its founder; de los Marqueses de Almarza or de Cerralbo, after the noble titles of its descendants; and de San Boal, due to its location in the square of the same name. From its foundational stage, only the main entrance and two windows with Gothic lintels framed by an alfiz are preserved. The main entrance, although featuring 15th-century characteristics, was profoundly reformed in the 16th and 18th centuries: it consists of a semicircular arch with large voussoirs, framed by an alfiz and crowned by the Corvelle coat of arms.

During the 16th century, the founder's descendants undertook an important renovation that transformed it into a Renaissance palace. From this period, two wings of the courtyard, part of the coffered ceilings, and the Villamayor stone staircase, decorated with Plateresque motifs, are preserved. In the 18th century, the building passed into the hands of the Casa de Cerralbo, also known as the Marqueses de Almarza, who embellished the facade with sgraffito and replaced the old windows with balconies on corbels. Some openings were decorated with family coats of arms, while others were transformed into rectangular openings.

Between June and July 1812, the palace served as the residence of General Wellington, victor of the Battle of Arapiles against French troops during the Peninsular War.

After several changes of use, in 1937 it became the headquarters of the School of Commerce and, later, the School of Business Studies. In subsequent reforms, two new galleries were added to the courtyard and the interior was profoundly transformed. Finally, in 1996, the University of Salamanca promoted its rehabilitation to house part of the current Hispano-Japanese Cultural Center, respecting the main preserved historical elements: the facade, the courtyard, the coffered ceilings, and the staircase.

The building we see today is an interesting mosaic of styles, the result of numerous renovations carried out between the 15th and 20th centuries. Currently, it houses 17 classrooms, an auditorium, and the main hall. The last major intervention, conceived for its adaptation as the headquarters of the Hispano-Japanese Cultural Center, has also been recognized with various awards and mentions in the field of architecture. Among its most outstanding spaces are:

— Remains of the foundational era (late 15th century): from this first stage, only the main entrance and two windows with Gothic lintels are barely preserved. The main entrance, although greatly transformed, is made of Villamayor stone and features a triple semicircular arch richly decorated with reliefs of plant and floral motifs.

— The Renaissance courtyard (16th century): considered one of the best examples of the Renaissance in Salamanca, it retains the original north and west galleries, with four arches in each. On the ground floor, the semicircular arches are decorated with medallions of male and female figures, while on the upper floor the segmental arches display heraldic shields. The east and south galleries are the result of a 20th-century renovation, as they were originally enclosed by walls.

— The monumental staircase: built in Villamayor stone, it stands out for its rich Plateresque decoration, with plant motifs, fauns, fantastic animals, and medallions that reflect the ornamental taste of the Renaissance.

— 20th-century interventions: during this stage, the interior of the building was profoundly transformed, with the emptying of spaces and the incorporation of modern materials such as brick, which modified its original appearance. Two galleries and a fountain were also added to the courtyard.

— H.M. Empress Michiko Hall: located in what was the palace's former noble floor, it is now an open-plan space for temporary exhibitions.

The Hispano-Japanese Cultural Center of Salamanca is a dynamic space dedicated to the dissemination and cultural exchange between Spain and Japan, with intense activity throughout the year.

Its program combines Japanese language teaching with a wide range of cultural and academic activities. Among the most common are Japanese language courses for different levels, as well as workshops and training proposals related to Japanese culture, such as calligraphy, cooking, manga, or traditional crafts.

The center also organizes temporary exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art, original version film series, conferences, and informative talks that bring different aspects of Japanese society closer to the general public.

In addition, it hosts special events such as the Japan Cultural Week, academic meetings, book presentations, and activities aimed at both students and professionals interested in relations between both countries.

Overall, the Center has consolidated itself as a cultural meeting point in Salamanca, where learning, research, and the dissemination of knowledge about Japan are combined with cultural activities open to all citizens.