Philippine Embassy Marks National Filipino Elderly Week and International Day of Older Persons with Visit To Tokyo Rehabilitation Home
The Philippine Embassy in Japan conducts a cultural presentation at Rehabilitation Home Grand Minami Azabu on 02 October 2026 in conjunction with the commemoration of National Filipino Elderly Week and International Day of Older Persons.
TOKYO, 12 October 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan conducted a cultural outreach program at the Rehabilitation Home Grand Minami Azabu on 02 October 2026, marking National Filipino Elderly Week during the first week of October, and the International Day of Older Persons on 01 October 2026. This year’s international observance carries the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Scenes from the cultural presentation at Rehabilitation Home Grand Minami Azabu
Embassy personnel introduced the home’s residents to various aspects of Philippine culture, heritage, gastronomy, and language through an interactive presentation. The residents enthusiastically participated in a trivia activity featuring unique facts about the Philippines.
Mr. John Bryan Lawas, a Filipino student based in Japan and a member of the Meguro Catholic Church Choir, serenades the rehabilitation home residents with Original Pinoy Music and Filipino Christmas carols.
Adding a musical highlight to the event, Mr. John Bryan Lawas, a Filipino doctoral student in Japan and member of the Meguro Catholic Church Choir, serenaded the residents with a selection of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and Filipino Christmas carols. Mr. Lawas also introduced the distinctly Filipino tradition of celebrating the Christmas season beginning as early as September through January. The festive atmosphere brought residents and Embassy personnel together for a heartwarming sing-along to the beloved Japanese classic, “Sukiyaki.”
Residents of Rehabilitation Home Grand Minami Azabu enjoy arroz caldo especially prepared by the Embassy following the cultural presentation.
Following the cultural showcase, residents were treated to freshly prepared arroz caldo (Filipino-style chicken porridge), offering them an authentic taste of Filipino cuisine. The residents expressed great delight and appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about Philippine traditions and sampling the dish, which they warmly described as both delicious and comforting.
To convey their heartfelt appreciation, the residents presented the Embassy delegation with traditional Japanese green tea (matcha) and custom hand-painted postcards.
The cultural visit underscores the Embassy’s commitment to community engagement and fostering deeper cultural bridges between the Philippines and Japan across generations, especially in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations this year.
