PH Embassy Partners with Filipino Community in Showcase of Philippine Culture, PH-JP Friendship at 47th Yokohama Int’l Costume Parade
Above photos: The Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by First Secretary and Acting Consul General Robert D. Quintin (center), with participants from the Filipino Community, mainly represented by the members of the Japan Philippine Cultural Exchange Organization (JPCEO), chaired by Ms. Rosas Tanaka, and the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG), during the 74th Yokohama International Costume Parade held on 03 May 2026.
TOKYO, 08 May 2026 – In celebration of National Heritage Month in the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy in Japan partnered with the Filipino Community in a showcase of Philippine heritage, culture and Filipino community spirit at the 74th Yokohama International Costume Parade held on 03 May 2026 during Japan’s Golden Week.
“The parade provided the Embassy and the Filipino community in Japan with an excellent opportunity to promote the Philippines’ rich and vibrant heritage, and deeply-rooted traditions, highlighted by strong family ties and community spirit. It has always been a privilege for the Embassy to be part of this parade which brings together peoples from all walks of life,” stated Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano following the festivities.
Stretching over three kilometers, the parade route began at Yamashita Park, passed through some of the city’s famous landmarks including the Red Brick Warehouse, and culminated along the tree-lined Bashamichi Shopping Street.
The Philippine contingent donned colorful and festive Philippine-themed attire, reminiscent of the vibrancy and pageantry of the Flores de Mayo (a festival in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and Sinulog (an annual event in Cebu City, Philippines dedicated to the Santo Niño or the Child Jesus) festivals in the Philippines. They were enthusiastically received by the parade crowd, with spectators waving and cheering as the contingent passed along the route.
Organized by the Yokohama Port Festival Committee, the much-awaited annual parade was also a platform for the Embassy to promote the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship this year to thousands of parade-goers composed of the local and Filipino communities, as well as foreign visitors.
Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) chairman, Mr. Berlito “Toots” Capulong, proudly carries the Philippine flag, followed by Embassy personnel and participants from the Filipino Community, during the 74th Yokohama International Costume Parade held on 03 May 2026.
The Embassy’s participation also coincided with the 44th Anniversary of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) of the Philippines.
Around forty (40) members of the Filipino community, led by the Japan Philippine Cultural Exchange Organization (JPCEO) and Philippine Assistance Group (PAG), participated with Embassy personnel in the televised event featuring more than sixty (60) groups from other countries and local residents. Yokohama-based Filipino restaurant, Bayani’s Kitchen, and Filipino-owned company, JB Construction, also extended support to the Philippine contingent.
