Embassy of Japan in the Philippines formally opens 70 years of Japan-Philippine friendship

Vibrant jazz music performed by both Filipino and Japanese musicians permeated across the Proscenium Theater in Makati City to signal the formal opening of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship.

With the theme “Harmony of Friendship: A Jazz Prelude to 70 Years of Japan-Philippine Ties", the concert featured Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival Group, featuring Japan-based Filipina Jazz singer Ms. Charito, pianist Mr. Yuki Arimasa, bassist Mr. Satsuki Kusui, and drummer Mr. Hiroki Kitazawa. The concert also featured a special guest, the A.M.P. Big Band, who delivered a delightful musical showcase to the guests. The set list included hits from Frank Loesser, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Mike Velarde Jr., John Palacio, Makoto Ozone, Horace Silver, Harold Allen/Johnny Mercer, and Stevie Wonder.

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines also held an opening reception along with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega. Also in attendance were honorable guests, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, and Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez among others.

Ambassador Endo Kazuya highlighted significant milestones in Japan and the Philippines’ enduring partnership, ranging from developments in economic cooperation to people-to-people exchanges. Dubbing these milestones as “threads” woven into the fabric of Japan and the Philippines’ longstanding friendship, he delved into the rich history of the two nations’ diplomatic relations, dating back to its renewal in 1956. 

Together with Japan Airlines Philippines Regional Office General Manager Mr. Funabashi Takayuki, Ambassador Endo also recognized Mr. Edmon Fuerte, who designed the winning logo commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship.

Before the start of the jazz concert, DTI Secretary Roque also delivered her congratulatory message.

"We officially begin the celebration of the 70 years of friendship and diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines," Secretary Roque said. "Tonight's jazz prelude is a celebration of connection of how culture, creativity, and shared experiences bring our people closer together. Through music, we are reminded that music is not only built through dialogue and cooperation but also through moments like this."

Likewise, Ambassador Endo remarked how it is in jazz that people find the best virtues of friendship.

"For decades, jazz has endured as the language of the heart and soul. Its diverse range has reflected the vast depth of human emotions," Ambassador Endo said. "In its restless desire to create, collaborate, and harmonize. So let tonight be one of many new threads we contribute to the boundless tapestry of our friendship; one future generations can aspire to cherish and maintain."

"This year gives us the perfect canvas to paint our shared possibilities," Ambassador Endo adds. "By year’s end, I hope to see it rich with renewed connections, vibrant and lasting. And now, I invite you all to open your hearts to the music of our bond. Let this be a soulful start to our seventieth anniversary of friendship. Nais ko sa inyo ang isang napaka-saya at masaganang bagong taon. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagdalo at mabuhay ang pagkakaibigan ng Japan at Pilipinas."

The event was co-hosted with the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) with support from JTI. By Dexter R. Matilla