When women lead, the conversation shifts, priorities align with progress, and new perspectives come to the forefront. This was evident during the first meeting between Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Mayor Ai Seike of Minato City, held on Aug. 19, 2024, at Minato City Hall. Both women are trailblazers in their own right—Ambassador Garcia-Albano, the first female Philippine Ambassador to Japan, and Mayor Seike, the first woman to hold the mayoral office in Minato City.
Minato is one Tokyo’s 23 wards. Founded in 1947, the ward’s name literally means ‘harbor’. Most people who visit Tokyo for tourism would most likely make a stop in Minato as it is home to the iconic Tokyo Tower, several beautiful shrines and temples, the National Art Center, and the nightlife and shopping destination that is Roppongi. Minato is also known for being one of the most foreigner-friendly wards in the Japanese capital which is why it’s no surprise that nine percent of the ward’s 267,250 residents are foreigners. Of that number, 1,200 are Filipinos.
The Philippine Embassy, along with over 80 other foreign missions from different countries, is also located in this particular ward which made the meeting more than just the usual courtesy call. Having been newly elected in June, the ambassador congratulated Mayor Seike on her electoral victory and expressed her enthusiasm for a strengthened partnership between the Philippine Embassy and Minato City under the mayor’s leadership.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano brought up some of the embassy sponsored events that the embassy in Minato and how one of the Japanese’ favorite breakfast staples comes from the Philippines. “We are the top exporter of bananas to Japan,” the ambassador shared, to which the Mayor replied that it’s something she indulges in quite often as well.
The ambassador and Mayor Seike, both former assemblywomen, also touched on topics of governance as well as an invitation to the Philippines after the mayor mentioned her interest in diving.
Before her career in government, Mayor Seike was a journalist working for a Japanese newspaper. Her first foray into public service brought focus into the importance of providing more opportunities and assistance for mothers looking for work. Ambassador Garcia-Albano, a Davao native with an illustrious legal and political career, also had much to contribute to the discussion. Before her diplomatic role, she became the first woman elected from the 2nd District of Davao City to the House of Representatives, serving three consecutive terms.
“We look forward to deepening our partnership with Minato City under Mayor Seike’s leadership, especially in areas that advance our shared commitment to women empowerment and fostering an inclusive society,” the Ambassador said after the meeting.
This meeting between two pioneering women underscores a significant shift in leadership dynamics within Minato City—a hub of international relations that’s more than just a political and cultural center but also a community where diverse voices and experiences come together.