The Philippine Embassy hosted the Promotional Meeting of “Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes” for the Diplomatic Corps on 14 March 2024 at the Residence of the Philippine Ambassador in Tokyo.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, expressed how it was an honor to host this year’s promotional meeting at the historical Kudan Residence. The event was made even more special as it was done during the month of the Philippines’ celebration of National Women’s Month. And the event’s special guest was Her Imperial Highness (H.I.H) Princess Takamado.

H.I.H. Princess Takamado attended as the Honorary President of the Executive Committee of “Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes.” The distinguished guests also included Honorable Hirofumi Nakasone of the House of Councillors of Japan, H.E. Takehiro Shimada of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the thirty-nine (39) Ambassadors or Chargé d’ Affaires or representatives from the various foreign embassies with representations in Japan.

The theme of this year’s annual photo exhibition is “Inspiring Japan.” H.I.H. Princess Takamado encouraged the participants to submit photos depicting beautiful sceneries while in Japan. She hopes that the photos not only encourage more diplomats to participate in this photography contest and exhibition but also for the Japanese locals to see the beauty of their country through the lens of the diplomats living in Japan.

H.I.H. Princess Takamado expressed her profound appreciation to the Philippine Ambassador for opening her residence to the group and for the generous offer of Philippine dishes.  Attendees were treated to ten delectable Philippine dishes featuring a fusion of Philippine and Japanese ingredients such as“Sakura Prawn Okoy”, “Smoked Trout and Malagos Cheese Sandwich”, “Crab Risotto with Talangka”, “Pork Adobo Taco”, “Ankimo Custard and Bafun Uni”, “Ube and Saba Banana Turon”, and “Tuna Kinilaw”, among others. The special set of dishes was prepared by Davao-based visiting Chefs Melissa Revilla and David Thien-Chow-Kang. This special Philippine food reception after the meeting was also made possible with the support of the ASEAN Japan Centre in Japan.

During the event, Japan-based classical pianist Carell Ethilca Belandres-Henry played the piano for the guests featuring some of the famous Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

“Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes”was first held in 1998. It is an annual photography competition and exhibition open to all members of the diplomatic corps and their families.

The 2024 Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes Executive Committee is composed of H.I.H. Princess Takamado as Honorary President, Hon. Nakasone as Head of Jury, H.E. Mr. Mohammed RachadBouhlal, Ambassador of Morocco as Chairperson of the Executive Committee together with H.E. Mr. Seiko Ishikawa, Ambassador of Venezuela, H.E. Ms. Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of Philippines, H.E. Mr. Hamish Cooper, Ambassador of New Zealand, and H.E. Mr. Takehiro Shimada, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Executive Members.

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