Philippine Embassy Celebrates 127th Philippine Independence Day in Tokyo
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (middle), the Honorable Takeshi Iwaya, Minister of Foreign Affairs (left); and the Honorable Gen Nakatani, Minister of Defense (right) led the commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
TOKYO, 12 June 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan hosted a diplomatic reception on 12 June 2025 to commemorate the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The event gathered distinguished guests from the Japanese and Philippine governments, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, cultural partners, and media representatives.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the significance of the occasion and highlighting the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.
“This occasion serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes, a celebration of the enduring spirit of the Filipino people, and a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy, and a rules-based international order—values that resonate deeply with our gracious hosts here in Japan,” Ambassador Garcia-Albano said.
She further remarked, “Indeed, we are in the midst of a ‘golden age’ of bilateral relations, marked by a thriving Strategic Partnership that continues to flourish across a broad spectrum of cooperation.”
In his congratulatory message, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya hailed 2025 as a historic year for Philippines-Japan relations, highlighted by successive high-level visits to the Philippines by top Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, the Foreign Minister himself, and members of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League.
“Those visits have further deepened the trust between our two countries and strengthened our strategic partnership in a wide range of areas, including the economy, security, and people-to-people exchange,” Minister Iwaya said.
Both Ambassador Garcia-Albano and Minister Iwaya expressed optimism about the upcoming 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepening bilateral ties.
Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani, citing recent developments in the growing security cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, including the completion of the Japanese domestic process for the Reciprocal Access Agreement, led guests in a ceremonial toast to the continued strength of bilateral relations and to the prosperity and well-being of both nations.
The Honorable Hiroshi Moriyama, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party and Chairman of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League also graced the occasion.
A special feature of the evening was the “Philippines at the World Expo Osaka 2025” exhibit and photo wall, offering guests a glimpse of the Philippine national pavilion at the ongoing international exposition at Osaka Kansai. It invited guests to explore the pavilion’s theme and show their support for the Philippines’ participation in the World Expo 2025.
Guests were treated to musical performances by pianist Kate Henry, violinist Jimmy Tagala Jr., and vocalists Beverly and Ronald Allan Bautista, whose renditions of Filipino, Japanese, and international classics brought the evening to life.
The Office of the Agricultural Attaché set up a vibrant display of premium Philippine fruits, including bananas, mangoes, pineapples, avocados, and papayas. As a special treat, guests received fresh pineapples to take home.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Tokyo showcased an array of high-quality Filipino-made products, including jewelry, bags, and handicrafts. Among the highlights was a curated exhibit by Ibarra Watches, a proudly Filipino luxury watchmaker that blends heritage and craftsmanship with contemporary design.
As a meaningful token, each guest received a pouch made of T’nalak, handwoven by T’boli women from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato in the Philippines. The pouch, made from abaca fibers and colored with natural dyes, symbolizes the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability.
To ensure uninterrupted service to the public, the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo remained open during the day.
Celebrated annually on 12 June, Philippine Independence Day marks the historic proclamation of the nation’s freedom from Spanish colonial rule in 1898, signifying the birth of Asia’s first republic. END
The Honorable Hiroshi Moriyama, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party and Chairman of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League extended congratulations to Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano on the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the diplomatic reception on 12 June 2025 in Tokyo.
(From left to right) Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Philippine Tourism Ambassador Alan Shirahama, and Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano at the photo wall exhibit of the World Expo Philippine Pavilion at the diplomatic reception of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
