Philippines – Japan Friendship Month Highlighted By Forum on Philippine Studies
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (standing, 10th from left) with the UP Los Baños Choral Ensemble and the resource speakers at “A Forum on the Role of Filipinologists and Philippine Studies in Deepening Mutual Understanding” held on 29 July 2024 at the Azabu Civic Center, Minato City, Tokyo. The event featured Japanese Filipinologists Mr. Takushi Ohno, Chairman of the University of the Philippines (UP) Alumni Association – Japan Chapter (standing, 11th from left); Dr. Wataru Kusaka, Professor at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (standing, 8th from left); and Dr. Yoshiko Nagano, Professor Emeritus at Kanagawa University (standing 9th from left).
TOKYO, 30 July 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan and Sentro Rizal – Tokyo successfully hosted “A Forum on the Role of Filipinologists and Philippine Studies in Deepening Mutual Understanding” on 29 July 2024 at the Azabu Civic Center, Minato City, Tokyo. This event was a highlight of the celebrations commemorating Philippines-Japan Friendship Month.
The forum brought together leading Filipinologists to discuss the role of Philippine Studies in fostering stronger ties between the Philippines and Japan. Key speakers included Mr. Takushi Ohno, Chairman of the University of the Philippines (UP) Alumni Association – Japan Chapter; Dr. Wataru Kusaka, Professor at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies; and Dr. Yoshiko Nagano, Professor Emeritus at Kanagawa University. Ms. Carol Malasig moderated the discussion.
The speakers shared their personal experiences and insights into the history of Philippine Studies in Japan, starting with the entry of Japanese students in Philippine universities in the 1930s.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano recognized the contributions of Japanese Filipinologists in bridging cultural gaps between the two nations. She said, “As we reflect upon the rich history of our bilateral relations, it is essential that we acknowledge and celebrate the individuals whose dedication to Philippine studies and the deep dive into the Filipino psyche have created a platform for meaningful dialogue.”
Director-General and Assistant Minister for Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ryo Nakamura noted the positive momentum in Philippines-Japan ties and expressed optimism in their continued growth.
“The government of Japan is strongly committed and determined to even more strengthen our cooperation, our friendship,” he assured.
The UP Los Baños Choral Ensemble provided the musical backdrop to the event, as the Philippines also celebrates “Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino” or Filipino Music Week.
The UP Los Baños Choral Ensemble is in Japan for the Tokyo International Choir Competition. The group won top awards besting 53 choirs from 16 countries, including the Gold Prizes for the Mixed Choir and Contemporary Music categories, Silver Prize for the Mixed Choir category, and Most Promising Conductor for Mr. Roijin Suarez.
The forum was attended by students, academics, members of the diplomatic corps and the Filipino community in Tokyo.
Currently, Philippine Studies is being offered by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Osaka University. The 29th Annual Philippine Studies Forum in Japan was held last June at Tsuru University.
The forum capped the Philippine Embassy’s celebration of Philippines-Japan Friendship Month. As part of the celebrations, the Embassy published on social media the video greetings from the Filipino developers of the Maya-3 and Maya-4 cube satellites, which were developed and designed through the partnership between the University of the Philippines and Kyushu Institute of Technology; Mr. Kamei Wataru, peace advocate, who has been working with the communities in the Ifugao Province for four decades; and Japanese celebrity Alan Shirahama, Philippine Tourism Ambassador in Japan.
Mr. Takushi Ohno, Chairman of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association – Japan Chapter (1st from left); Dr. Wataru Kusaka, Professor at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (3rd from left); and Dr. Yoshiko Nagano, Professor Emeritus at Kanagawa University (2nd from left) talked about the lessons and perspectives they gained from their years as Filipinologists. Ms. Carol Malasig (rightmost) moderated the discussion.
The award-winning UP Los Baños Choral Ensemble performed at “A Forum on the Role of Filipinologists and Philippine Studies in Deepening Mutual Understanding” held on 29 July 2024 at the Azabu Civic Center, Minato City, Tokyo.
