Philippine Embassy Brings Filipino Traditional Dances to 45th Minato Citizen’s Festival
The Philippine Embassy in Japan, in partnership with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe, joins the 45th Minato Citizens’ Festival at Shiba Park International Friendship Plaza on 10 October 2026
TOKYO, 19 October 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe, proudly participated in the 45th Minato Citizens’ Festival on 10 October 2026 at Shiba Park International Friendship Plaza. The cultural showcase, held during the festival’s special Embassy presentation segment, brought the rich and vibrant Filipino folk dance performances to the heart of Tokyo.
This year’s participation by the Philippine Embassy was especially meaningful as the festival coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Japan, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Minato City Government.
Philippine Embassy personnel join members of the TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe during the Minato Citizens’ Festival.
The TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe, clad in colorful traditional Filipino costumes, treated the audience to lively performances of folk dances originating from the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, including Bendian, a harvest dance celebration of the Ibaloi; Kinakulangan, a Maranao dance featuring beautifully decorated umbrellas; and the crowd favorite Tinikling, a popular folk dance from the island of Leyte.
The TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe performs their lively rendition of Filipino folk dance.
Bridging cultural boundaries, the performance culminated in an interactive session where festival-goers were invited onto the stage. Members of the TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe guided enthusiastic Minato residents and international visitors alike in mastering the rhythmic footwork required to hop between the rapidly clapping bamboo poles as they danced the Tinikling.
The Minato Citizens’ Festival is one of Minato City’s premier annual public events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors over the three-day autumn weekend to the scenic grounds surrounding Shiba Park at the base of Tokyo Tower. Established with the aim of cultivating grassroots exchange and fostering solidarity among local residents, businesses, and the diplomatic community residing within the ward, the festival remains a vital platform for the Philippine Embassy to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural diplomacy within Japan. There are currently seventy-nine (79) embassies headquartered in Minato City, including the Philippine Embassy.
