By YUKA MORIYAMA

TOKYO (Jiji Press) – A major Japan-Philippines friendship event was held in Tokyo's Taito Ward from Friday to Sunday, with this year marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Philippine Expo 2026 at Ueno Park promoted cultural exchange through Filipino cuisine and performances by artists from both Japan and the Philippines, amid growing momentum for bilateral ties spurred in part by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit to Japan late last month.

"I hope that this year's event will inspire even more Japanese people to take an interest in the Philippines and visit the country," Nobuyuki Suzuki, representative director of the event's organizer, the General Incorporated Association The Philippine Expo, told Jiji Press on Saturday.

Around 40 food stalls lined the venue, serving Filipino dishes and snacks, such as "halo-halo," a colorful shaved-ice dessert, and "sisig," a sizzling chopped pork dish.

A 25-year-old female employee from Tokyo said she traveled to the Philippines last September. Having particularly enjoyed "lechon," a roasted pork dish, during her trip, she said she was delighted to taste it again at the event.

A 33-year-old Filipino male office worker who moved to Tokyo about three months ago visited the event with two colleagues. He said seeing and eating Filipino food at the venue made him miss his home country.

Participating vendors included YP trading Inc., a Japanese firm that imports banana chips from the Philippines and exports frozen Japanese roasted sweet potatoes to the Southeast Asian country. Noting the rising rates of obesity and diabetes among young Filipinos, CEO Masataka Mori said, "We hope to help mitigate such health problems by promoting highly nutritious, dessert-like Japanese sweet potatoes."

On the special stage, singers from the Philippines, including the popular vocal duo JMielle, as well as numerous Japanese idol groups, kept visitors entertained throughout the three-day event. A karaoke battle between Japanese and Filipino contestants also took place, with Japanese contestants singing in Tagalog and Filipino contestants singing in Japanese.

On the final day, a friendship ceremony featured the singing of both countries' national anthems and speeches by officials from both sides. Kiyoto Tsuji, Japanese state minister of the Cabinet Office, called on participants to help build a "more strategic and intimate relationship."

The event also included a Filipino folk dance performance, hands-on experiences of "hilot," a traditional Filipino massage therapy, and a job fair, fostering exchanges across a wide range of fields.

According to the organizing committee, the total number of visitors over the three days may have reached 100,000. A sister event is scheduled to be held in the central city of Nagoya from June 19 to 21.