Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko gamely shared his favorite food and places during the last episode of his virtual interaction program, "Hello Japan Special! Kids Ask Ambassador Kaz" on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

Five-year-old Franchesca, who admits her love for eggs and pancit canton, was first to ask the Japanese ambassador about his favorite food.

“For Filipino food, I love beef bulalo, buko pie, and Jollibee fried chicken. One of my favorite Japanese food is takoyaki. I heard it’s popular here in the Philippines. Since you like pancit, I think you will also like yakisoba, another favorite dish of mine. I hope I can try your favorite pancit soon,” Koshikawa replied.

Yakisoba is Japanese fried noodles sautéed in vegetables, meat, and a thick, savory, sweetish sauce.

Next to ask was 13-year-old Sachi who wants to know the Japanese diplomat’s most favorite types of sushi.

“I love sushi, too, and there are plenty of variations that I can recommend. My favorites are tuna sushi, sardines sushi, and sea urchin sushi. There is a lot more to discover about sushi in Japan. When you come to Japan, I hope you will be able to taste variations of sushi that are new to you,” Koshikawa said.

The final question was from 10-year-old Jacobo who asked the Japanese envoy about his favorite vacation spot in Japan.

Koshikawa professed his love for Okinawa, the fifth largest island and the southernmost part of Japan known for its tropical climate, fine beaches, and coral reefs.

“My favorite vacation spot in Japan is Okinawa. It has beautiful beaches and food. It’s kind of similar to the Philippines. I’m not sure if you will like it. Instead, for different experiences, I will recommend Hokkaido. It’s very cold you’re in winter. There’s a lot of snowfall that does not occur in the Philippines. You can also go skiing,” he said.

Ambassador Koshikawa also recommended the picturesque Kyoto Narra and Kanazawa, areas that are famous for showing the most traditional side of Japan.

For kids to have fun, Koshikawa suggested the Tokyo Disney resort located in his hometown in Chiba Prefecture.

Another interesting place for Filipinos to visit, he said, is the Saga prefecture where the movie “Hanggang Kailan” (Until When), led by Xian Lim and Louise de los Reyes was filmed.

“When everything is back to normal, I’d love for you to come and visit Japan,” the top Japanese diplomat in Manila said.

In February this year, the Japanese Embassy in Manila launched a campaign inviting Filipino kids and youth to send their questions in a video form to Ambassador Koshikawa in an effort aimed to boost Japan’s cultural connections to Filipino children and youth.