TOKYO, 13 August 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, together with the Office of the Tourism Attaché and the Office of the Agriculture Attaché in Tokyo participated in the launch of the Philippines Fair at SONOKO Café Ginza on 6 August 2026. The fair forms part of the celebrations marking the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026.

At the center of the Philippines Fair is the world-renowned ube or Philippine purple yam. SONOKO Café, in line with its mission of helping people achieve natural beauty and wellness from within, has incorporated ube in a number of culinary treats including halo-halo, mont blanc, curry, potato sandwich, tarako cream pasta, banana amasake smoothie, and milk cocktail.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Garcia-Albano shared how ube has, in recent years, captured the imagination of chefs, food lovers, and cafés around the world with its striking purple color and earthy sweetness, earning it a place in contemporary cuisine. She also expressed her pride and excitement at seeing this superfood ube reimagined in new and creative ways by chefs around the world, especially in Japan.

Agriculture Attaché Maghirang highlighted in her presentation that the Philippines is a major global supplier of ube, while Japan is the second-largest export market for the Philippine ube, reflecting high demand for the rootcrop for use in pastries, desserts, and beverages. By introducing the ube trend to audiences in Ginza, this collaboration with SONOKO Café aims to showcase the perfect blending of the Philippine’s rich culinary heritage and SONOKO’s beauty and wellness lifestyle philosophy.

SONOKO Café Ginza’s exclusive summer ube menu is available until 31 August 2026. Come and join the ube rush!

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