Interview with La Yunko, winner of the Trofeo Desplante Femenino at Cante de las Minas 2024

“Flamenco is not a sacrifice, it is a pleasure”

In the world of flamenco, every story is a journey of passion, effort, and dedication. Junko Hajiwara, known artistically as La Yunko, is one of those stories. After more than 20 years in Spain, this Japanese dancer has achieved what many thought was impossible: winning the prestigious Trofeo Desplante Femenino 2024 at the Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas, becoming the first non-Spanish winner in the history of the competition. We spoke with her about her career, the challenges she has faced, and the emotion of receiving one of the most important awards in flamenco.

Yunko, you were awarded the Trofeo Desplante in 2024. How has your life changed since then?

It has been a huge honor. Since winning, I have been invited to many shows and festivals. I will soon be performing at the Liceu in Barcelona, as well as the Rivas Flamenca Festival and the Winners’ Gala of this year’s festival. This has been a wonderful opportunity to continue sharing my art.

You have been in Spain for over 20 years. How did your story with flamenco begin?

As a child, I practiced rhythmic gymnastics in Japan. One day, a teammate used flamenco guitar music for her routine, and I was deeply impressed. It was something completely new to me. I remember asking my mother what flamenco was, and she said: “It’s a dance from Spain. Women dance in long skirts.” I found it fascinating, and little by little, I started researching until I realized I wanted to dedicate myself to it.

How was your arrival in Seville and your training process?

I came directly to Seville because my teachers in Japan lived there and always spoke wonders about the city and its culture. I studied at José Galván’s academy and with other great masters such as Milagros Menjíbar, Carmen Ledesma, Concha Vargas, Ana María López, among others. I learned a lot, and I am still learning.

Flamenco is an art form with deep traditions in Spain. Was it difficult to establish yourself as a Japanese dancer?

It is not easy for anyone, but being a foreigner and Japanese does create certain barriers. Throughout my career, I have encountered difficulties, especially in tablaos, where it can sometimes be harder to get hired if you don’t have Western features. But I have also received a lot of support from colleagues and the audience, and that has motivated me to keep going.

How was the process of entering Cante de las Minas? Did you expect to win?

I first competed 10 years ago, but I didn’t make it to the semifinals. In 2024, I decided to try again because I wasn’t traveling to Japan that summer due to family reasons. I knew that competing against young and talented dancers wouldn’t be easy, but I wanted to give myself the opportunity. It was a difficult decision because it requires a big financial investment, but in the end, I told myself: “If I have the chance this year, I’ll go for it.”

Contests often come with controversy. How did you handle the negative reactions after your victory?

There are always divided opinions in a competition. I understand that everyone values flamenco differently. What hurt me was the difference between criticism and insult. Constructive criticism can help me grow, but the insults and threats I received were very hard to process. Fortunately, I also received countless messages of support, both from Spain and other countries, and that gave me strength to move forward.

You are the first non-Spanish dancer to win this award. Do you feel like you have paved the way for other international artists?

I think so. Japan has always shown great love for flamenco, and many Japanese artists study it with deep devotion. I hope my victory encourages others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their origin.

What are your upcoming projects?

I have several performances in April, including in Torre Macarena and San Lorenzo de El Escorial, where I will share the stage with Lara Wong, winner of the Filón Prize at Cante de las Minas a few years ago. I will also continue teaching, both to Japanese students and other international students in Seville.

Finally, what does flamenco mean to you?

For me, it is not a sacrifice, it is a pleasure. It’s true that it requires a lot of effort and dedication, but everything it has given me makes me feel lucky. Flamenco is my life.