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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What the new Japan envoy learned about Pinoys

What the new Japan envoy learned about Pinoys

Published Mar 14, 2024 08:05 am

As the ambassador-designate of Japan to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya had a startling discovery about Filipinos—their love for Japanese anime and pop culture.

Endo_Koshikawa.jpg(From left) Japanese Ambassador-designate Endo Kazuya and former Japanese envoy to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko (Photo courtesy of Amb. Endo)

The newly designated envoy said he met with former Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who ended his term last March 5.

“Listening to his presentation about his experiences in the (Philippines), I am eager to meet our Filipino friends and begin my journey in this exciting country!,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), using hashtags #FromKaztoKazuya and #KuyaKazuya.

But there’s one thing that surprised Endo about Filipinos as he hopes to bring more of Japan’s culture to the Philippines.

“I learned that Filipinos are surprisingly big fans of (Japanese) anime and pop culture! After Voltes V, I wonder what I can bring next...Looking forward to witnessing and sharing the Japan hype with you firsthand,” he said.

In particular, Endo shared that he was touched by how affected Filipino fans was with the death of “Dragon Ball” creator Toriyama Akira.

“Very touching to see the Filipinos paying tribute to the enduring legacies of Toriyama Akira, the creative genius behind Dragon Ball, and Tarako, the beloved voice of Chibi Maruko-chan,” he said in a separate post.

Toriyama, 68, died on March 1 due to acute subdural haematoma.

Japanese voice actress Tarako, known mainly for her role as Maruko in the popular television anime series "Chibi Maruko Chan” also died of illness on March 4.

“Their legacies will forever inspire generations and strengthen the bond of (Japan and the Philippines),” the envoy said.

Related Tags

Endo Kazuya Japanese anime Koshikawa Kazuhiko Voltes V
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