The Japanese Association Manila (JAMI) held the 8th Cultural Festival on June 21, 2025, at the Romulo Auditorium in Makati City.
Officials from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, including Ambassador Kazuya Endo, Madame Akiko Endo, and Minister and Consul General Takahiro Hanada, attended the event.
This annual event aims to promote interaction among Japanese residents in the area and to share Japanese culture with the broader community.
This year, 13 groups with around 430 participants took the stage to showcase their talents through choral performances, dances, instrumental music, and more.
The event also drew a large crowd of nearly 1,000 attendees, including not only Japanese residents but also many Filipino guests, resulting in a lively and festive atmosphere.
During the opening ceremony, Minister Hanada delivered a guest speech, expressing his gratitude to JAMI and other organizations and individuals involved.
He emphasized the significance of the event as a meaningful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange that transcends generations and nationalities.
He also expressed his hopes for further development in the bilateral relationship between Japan and the Philippines, as next year, 2026, marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The cultural festival was a heartwarming occasion filled with smiles from both performers and attendees alike.
