Japan Envoy Opens DLSU Japan Festival

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya attended the opening ceremony of De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Japan Festival Week on July 6, underscoring the enduring partnership between Japan and the Philippines as the two nations commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic friendship.

Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya delivers his keynote message during the opening ceremony of De La Salle University’s Japan Festival Week on July 6, highlighting the importance of academic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges as Japan and the Philippines celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship. (Photo from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines)

Organized by the DLSU Department of International Studies, the week-long celebration features a diverse lineup of cultural and academic activities aimed at promoting greater appreciation of Japanese culture while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Joining Ambassador Endo at the opening ceremony were DLSU President Br. Bernard S. Oca, Department of International Studies Chair Dr. Evangeline Katigbak-Montoya, Professor Dr. Dennis Trinidad, and Dr. Karl Ian Cheng Chua, together with members of the academic community and the DLSU student body.

In his keynote message, Ambassador Endo reflected on the remarkable progress of Japan-Philippines relations over the past seven decades, emphasizing that the partnership has continued to evolve through mutual trust, shared values, and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

He also stressed the vital role of academic collaboration, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections in further strengthening bilateral relations, encouraging students and participants to “join us in co-creating a shared future built on peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.”

Running from July 6 to 10, the Japan Festival Week showcases the richness of Japanese culture and the longstanding friendship between the two nations through a series of exhibits on their cultural and diplomatic ties, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, cosplay competitions, and other interactive activities.

The event serves as another milestone in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering deeper understanding and closer cooperation between the two countries.