Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado (front, seventh from the left) and Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (front, sixth from the left), as well as ambassadors and diplomatic members, gather for the promotional meeting of Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition held on 18 March 2025 at the Philippine Ambassador’s official residence.

TOKYO, 20 March 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan hosted for the second year in a row the promotional meeting of Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition at the Ambassador’s official residence, bringing together nearly 50 Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps in support of this annual cultural initiative.

The exhibition patron and honorary president, H.I.H. Princess Takamado, graced the promotional meeting as the guest of honor.

“I warmly welcome you all to the official residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines – a special heritage building which has been bestowed the National Historical Landmark status by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the only one holding such distinction outside of the Philippines,” said Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano during her remarks at the promotional meeting.

Ambassador Garcia-Albano further underscored the significance of the main photo exhibition, with this year’s theme “Rhythms of Life”, which provides a rare opportunity for diplomats in Japan to showcase their talent in photography, build lasting friendships, and share the beauty of Japan with the wider public.

Princess Takamado thanked Ambassador Garcia-Albano for hosting the promotional meeting, and underscored the significance of the photo exhibition, which has captured more than 20 years of Japan’s history through the perspectives of diplomats. She encouraged the ambassadors to submit their own photographic works, and to extend the invitation to their respective embassy teams.

H.I.H. Princess Takamado (leftmost) and Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (rightmost) with Filipino chefs Marlyn Okawa (2nd from left) and Chef Jane Magat-Kemmochi (3rd from left).

The promotional meeting, which was held in celebration of the Philippines’ National Women’s Month, featured two Filipino women chefs based in Tokyo. Chef Jane Magat-Kemmochi and Chef Marlyn Okawa prepared dishes based on popular Filipino dishes such as adobo, sisig and turon, infused with Japanese flavors. Philippine bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and avocados were prominently used in the dishes and decor for the event.

Now in its 28th year, Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes is an annual photography competition and exhibition open to all members of the diplomatic corps and their families. It continues to provide a unique perspective on Japan’s culture, landscapes, and everyday life, cultivated by the diplomatic community.

Last year’s winning submissions included works by several members of the Philippine Embassy in Japan, with Attaché Ms. Jackie Lou C. Ong receiving the Prince Takamado Memorial Prize.

The promotional meeting was attended by the members of the Executive Committee: H.I.H. Princess Takamado, Honorary President; Hon. Hirofumi Nakasone, Head of Jury; Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal, Chairperson of the Executive Committee; Venezuelan Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa; Ambassador Garcia-Albano; New Zealand Ambassador Hamish Cooper; and Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Shinobu Abe, Executive Director of Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes, served as the event’s emcee. END

Members of the Executive Committee of the 28th Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes: H.I.H Princess Takamado (4th from left), Hon. Hirofumi Nakasone (3rd from left), Moroccan Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal (6th from left), Venezuelan Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa (2nd from left), Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (5th from left), New Zealand Ambassador Hamish Cooper (leftmost), Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita (seventh from left), and Mr. Shinobu Abe (rightmost).

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