Philippine Ambassador Joins Diplomatic Corps in Opening of “Japan Through Diplomat’s Eyes” 2026 Photo Exhibition
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center) with Princess Takamado (seated, center), Honorary President of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition; former Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, Head of Jury (seated, second from left); Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal, Chairperson of the Executive Committee (seated, rightmost); Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (seated, leftmost); Mr. Takeshi Shibuya, Chairman of the Yokohama City Council (second from right); and members of the diplomatic community during the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition on 04 February 2026 at the Yokohama Red Brick Gallery in Yokohama City.
YOKOHAMA CITY, 12 February 2026 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, together with members of the diplomatic corps in Japan, Japanese government officials, and other distinguished guests, came together to celebrate the opening of the 2026 edition of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition on 04 February 2026 at the Yokohama Red Brick Gallery, a historic building that formerly served as the customs clearance point and is now a cultural hub in Yokohama City.
Highlighting this year’s theme “Journeys Across Japan – through Diplomats’ Eyes,” Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, Honorary President and Patron of the exhibition, underscored the significance of the project in further deepening cultural understanding between Japan and the international community, as seen through the lens of diplomats stationed in the host country.
Mr. Takeshi Shibuya, Chairman of the Yokohama City Council, served as the city government’s representative to the event. He expressed the city’s appreciation in hosting the opening ceremony, and invited the attendees to participate in the Green x Expo 2027, which will be held in Yokohama City.
“As part of the Executive Committee of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition, I look forward to another meaningful year, and to seeing the unique perspective and appreciation of Japan and its people through the photographic works of our colleagues in the diplomatic community,” remarked Ambassador Garcia-Albano following the opening ceremony.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (right) with Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal, Chairperson of the Executive Committee (left) posed with the photograph of the Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador taken during the 2025 Promotional Meeting of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition.
The Philippine Embassy is again set to host the Promotional Meeting of the Japan through Diplomats Eyes in March 2026.
The Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes Executive Committee is composed of Princess Takamado; former Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, Head of Jury; Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal, Chairperson of the Executive Committee; and members, namely, Ambassador Garcia-Albano, Venezuelan Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa; Luxembourg Ambassador Michel Leesch, and Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Photographs of Philippine Embassy personnel and their families were exhibited during the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition on 04 February 2026 at the Yokohama Red Brick Gallery in Yokohama City (From left to right: works of Ambassador Garcia-Albano; Agriculture Attaché, Ms. Maria Alilia G. Maghirang, and Attaché Ms. Jackie Lou C. Ong, and family member, Mr. Jericho S. Palado.)
Photographs by Embassy personnel and their families have regularly been featured in the annual exhibition, with the works of Ambassador Garcia-Albano; Agriculture Attaché Maria Alilia G. Maghirang, Attaché Jackie Lou C. Ong, and Mr. Jericho S. Palado, shortlisted for last year’s exhibition, and displayed during the opening ceremony.
