The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) rolled out a wide range of programs from May through June 2026, marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, spanning everything from cultural and artistic exchange to Japanese language education.
First, from May 5 to 31, the traveling exhibition “OMOCHA: Contemporary Japanese Toys” was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The exhibition, which introduces contemporary Japanese toy culture, is set to travel on to the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art from June 26 to July 26.
In the field of Japanese language education, the “2026 Second Irodori Workshop” was held from May 18 to 22 at TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) in Taguig City, Metro Manila. From May 18 to June 30, an “Intensive Japanese Language Training Program for High School Japanese Teachers” was also conducted, spanning both the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute in Urawa, Saitama Prefecture, and locations within Metro Manila, forming a long-term training program that bridged both countries.
Once June arrived, JFM launched a series of major programs befitting the milestone year. On June 1, it began publishing its newsletter “SUKI” online (to continue through December 31). On June 19, it held the “Japan-Philippines Friendship 70th Anniversary Multi-Stakeholder Symposium: Looking Back, Weaving the Future Together” at the University of the Philippines Diliman, reviewing the history of relations between the two countries while discussing prospects for the future.
The following June 20 and 21, “Philippines-Japan Friendship 2026: Stella Dance Fusion” was held at The Theatre at Solaire. According to an announcement from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Ambassador Kazuya Endo and his wife also attended a reception marking the 30th anniversary of the Japan Foundation, Manila’s establishment, along with the Stella Dance Jam, held to coincide with the occasion. As JFM marks the 30th anniversary of its founding in 1996 this year, the event also carried the significance of an anniversary celebration in its own right.
On June 24, the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra held a concert commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City. The special performance, “A 70 Year Opus: Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship in Concert,” marked the orchestra’s first-ever performance in the Philippines and drew a large audience. Beyond the concert itself, orchestra members also took part in outreach activities, reflecting a deepening of exchange through music. Ambassador Endo and his wife also attended the concert, which was preceded by a welcome reception.
This series of programs embodies the theme of the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year, “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities.” Following the opening event, a jazz concert in January, May and June saw a concentrated rollout of commemorative programs spanning exhibitions, symposiums, dance, and music. JFM has further diverse programs planned through the end of the year, including a Comics Festival in July and a Studio Ghibli Symphony Concert.
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