Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano hosted the launch marking the 27th year of “Japan Through the Diplomat’s Eyes.” The annual event, which features a photography competition and exhibit, has meticulously documented the evolving landscape of the country over nearly three decades, offering a unique perspective through the lenses of diplomats stationed in Japan.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano, a member of this year’s executive committee, expressed her gratitude to all attendees and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening international ties. She also noted how the event coincided quite well with one of the important, monthlong celebrations back home. “In the Philippines, the whole month of March is celebrated as National Women’s month. So we are particularly honored
to have as our special guests today, Princess Takamado.”
The launch was also attended by other distinguished guests—from government officials like Hirofumi Nakasone of the House of Councillors and chief of Protocol Amb. Takehiro Shimada to ambassadors of other embassies.
Princess Takamado, in her remarks, reflected on the origins of the photo contest, tracing its beginnings to the visionary idea of the then-ambassador of Luxembourg to Japan over three decades ago. “An event where we would exhibit photographs taken by ambassadors with the experience of living in different countries, living with different people, learning about different cultures,” she said. “How diplomats would see Japan, because seeing Japan through a diplomat’s eyes is entirely different from how the Japanese see themselves and, if we had an exhibition, then the Japanese would see themselves in a different light.”
Princess Takamado also stressed the importance of having a visual and tangible representation of these memories that have now become part of history. “We now have a record of 27 years—how Japan has looked through diplomats’ eyes—and they are in catalogs. We have seen it through the earthquake in the Tohoku region, we have seen it through Covid and it has never stopped. So we have a photographic record, seen through diplomats’ eyes of how Japan was through those years as well,” the princess added.
Moroccan Ambassador Muhammad Rachad Bouhlal who is this year’s committee president, asked fellow ambassadors to encourage diplomats in their embassies to join. “This year’s theme, ‘Inspiring Japan’ invites us to explore Japan’s captivating natural beauty, resilience, and innovation through the lens of diplomats,” he said. “For newcomers and those participating for the first time, I encourage all of you to immerse yourselves in the diverse and inspiring landscapes, experiences, and images that this exquisite country offers each day. The photographs you capture serve as a testimony to the unique spirit and a viewer of this remarkable nation as far as I’m concerned.”
Guests were treated to an array of dishes inspired by Philippine cuisine and flavors, expertly prepared by renowned chefs Melissa Revilla and David Thien Chow Kang. The crab risotto was popular among the guests along with the tuna kinilaw. The launch of the “Japan Through the Diplomat’s Eyes” served as a celebration of cultural exchange, friendship, and the enduring bonds between nations.
As diplomats continue to capture Japan’s essence through their lenses, they contribute to a collective narrative that transcends borders and enriches our shared understanding of
the world.