The Embassy of Japan formally launched the year-long celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship with a grand reception and jazz concert on Jan. 20 at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell. Entitled “Harmony of Friendship: A Jazz Prelude to 70 Years of Japan-Philippine Ties,” the event was co-hosted with the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and supported by JTI.

The evening began with a reception led by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, followed by a ceremonial toast from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega. Distinguished guests included First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Health (Philippines) (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI Philippines) Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Department of Science and Technology (DOST Philippines) Secretary Renato Solidum, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, and Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez among others.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Endo reflected on the long-standing ties between Japan and the Philippines, describing them as “threads woven into the fabric of our friendship.” He emphasized the importance of looking back on the journey since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1956: “This year marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of our diplomatic relations. With this jazz reception, we celebrate our nations’ longstanding friendship. On this evening of harmony, it is fitting we look back on our countries’ lasting partnership.”

Together with Japan Airlines Philippines Regional Office General Manager Funabashi Takayuki, Ambassador Endo recognized Edmon Fuerte from Baguio City, Philippines, designer of the winning logo for the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship.

The ambassador highlighted the deep symbolism behind the design: “The logo behind me embodies seven powerful decades of our journey as friends. There is great meaning in the motif of these traditional weaving ropes. Japan’s ‘Shimenawa’ rope has been traditionally used to mark sacred spaces and symbolize continuity. The Filipino Abaca has long been valued for its resilience and versatility. Together, these two ropes meld in this true expression of unity. The logo captures our anniversary theme: ‘Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.’” In addition to serving as the official symbol of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year, the logo will appear throughout commemorative events for the 2026 Friendship Year.

The highlight of the evening was the jazz concert featuring the Tokyo-Manila Jazz and Arts Festival Group, with performances by Japan-based Filipina jazz singer Ms. Charito, pianist Yuki Arimasa, bassist Satsuki Kusui, and drummer Hiroki Kitazawa. The A.M.P. Big Band joined as a special guest, delivering a vibrant musical showcase. Together, they transcended performance—crafting not just music, but a narrative. The result: a timeless fusion of Tokyo and Manila jazz, echoing across cultures and generations.

Ambassador Endo drew parallels between jazz and the spirit of bilateral friendship: “To set the tempo of this exciting year, what better way than with a musical celebration. It is in jazz we find the best virtues of our friendship: in its restless desire to create, collaborate, and harmonize. So let tonight be one of many new threads we contribute to the boundless tapestry of our friendship; one future generations can aspire to cherish and maintain.”

The event marked the beginning of a year-long commemoration of seven decades of Philippines-Japan relations, with more cultural, economic, and people-to-people exchange activities expected throughout 2026. As Ambassador Endo noted, the anniversary is not only a celebration of history but also a reaffirmation of the shared vision of peace, prosperity, and possibilities for the future.