PH Embassy Receives Book Donation From Family of Japanese Cultural Anthropologist Hiromu Shimizu
Books on indigenous peoples of the Philippines written by the late Dr. Hiromu Shimizu were donated by his family to the Philippine Embassy in Japan and will form part of the collection of Sentro Rizal-Tokyo.
TOKYO, 04 November 2026 – In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month, the Philippine Embassy in Japan expresses its appreciation to the family of the late Dr. Hiromu SHIMIZU, a renowned Japanese cultural anthropologist and former professor emeritus of Kyoto University, for donating copies of his works on indigenous peoples of the Philippines.
Established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1906, s. 2009, this annual observance aims to foster deeper awareness, appreciation, and respect for the rich cultures, traditions, and invaluable contributions of our Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to nation-building.
This year’s celebration centers on the theme “Pagkamalikhain ng Katutubong Filipino: Pinagtibay ng mga Pagsubok, Umaalab ang Bagong Pag-asa” (Creativity of Indigenous Filipinos: Strengthened by Challenges, Igniting New Hope).
The books, entitled “Pinatubo Aytas, Continuity and Change” and “The Orphans of Pinatubo”, and “Grassroots Globalization, Reforestation and Cultural Revitalization in the Philippine Cordilleras”, reflect Dr. Shimizu’s decades-long academic research, as well as close collaboration with indigenous communities in the Philippines through his “committed anthropology” approach where he actively participated in the cultural and community activities of his research subjects.
“We are grateful to Dr. Shimizu, one of Japan’s foremost scholars on the Philippines, for his contribution to strengthening academic exchanges between our two countries. As the Philippines and Japan celebrate seventy years of friendship this year, the book donation, a kind gesture from the family of Dr. Shimizu, is indeed a fitting tribute to our deep and vibrant people-to-people ties,” highlighted Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano following the donation.
Renowned Japanese cultural anthropologist and former professor emeritus of Kyoto University, Dr. Hiromu Shimizu (Photo courtesy of Dr. Shimizu’s family)
Dr. SHIMIZU’s works will form part of Sento Rizal-Tokyo’s collection of resource materials and literary works on the Philippines, and Philippines-Japan relations.
