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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider The Japanese Emperor's reception in Davao

The Japanese Emperor's reception in Davao

Diplomats, descendants, and local leaders gather to toast Japan and the Philippines' bilateral friendship

Published Feb 24, 2026 08:41 am
By Jinggoy I. Salvador
Flashed on the video screen for the entire ballroom to see was a Japanese shimenawa rope, subliminally projecting the number 70, and flanked with two sun symbols, one of the Philippines and the other of Japan.
Consul General of Japan in Davao Hirotaka Ono and Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado toast to an enduring relationship between Japan and the Philippines.
Consul General of Japan in Davao Hirotaka Ono and Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado toast to an enduring relationship between Japan and the Philippines.
“It embodies seven powerful decades of Japan and the Philippines’ journey as friends, a friendship woven from threads of hope and mutual respect. Together, these two ropes meld in this true expression of unity. The shimenawa rope is traditionally used to mark sacred spaces and is used for protection and to symbolize continuity,” shared the Consul General of Japan in Davao, Hirotaka Ono, in his welcome address. “The symbol significantly captures the 2026 theme of ‘Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.’”
The affair? The Consulate General of Japan in Davao recently hosted the National Day Reception to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan on Feb. 19, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, where the Consul General and Mrs. Ono Hirotaka welcomed guests from Davao’s Japanese descendants, business and academic institutions, the Consular Corps, local government officials, and tourism stakeholders.
It was a reception where guests were transported to Japan over authentic servings of sushi, soba, sake, and Japanese wine.
Councilor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain, Jr. and Ma. Milagros Quitain
Councilor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain, Jr. and Ma. Milagros Quitain
Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao Agus Trenggono, DOT-XI Regional Director Tanya Tan, and Consul General of Malaysia in Davao Deddy Faisal
Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao Agus Trenggono, DOT-XI Regional Director Tanya Tan, and Consul General of Malaysia in Davao Deddy Faisal
Cathy Bangayan, Ruben Bangayan, and Hiroyushi Kawashima
Cathy Bangayan, Ruben Bangayan, and Hiroyushi Kawashima
Reiko Kurano, Mayumi Shoji of Oriental Consultants Global, and Hiromi Kurano
Reiko Kurano, Mayumi Shoji of Oriental Consultants Global, and Hiromi Kurano
Vice Consul Airi Nakata, and Vice Consul Kentaro Yoshimatsu, with Natsumi Ono
Vice Consul Airi Nakata, and Vice Consul Kentaro Yoshimatsu, with Natsumi Ono
Deputy Consul General Junya Inoue and Masami Inoue
Deputy Consul General Junya Inoue and Masami Inoue
Satoshi Matsukawa of JICA and Karoru Nori of Saitama University
Satoshi Matsukawa of JICA and Karoru Nori of Saitama University
The ceremony also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines. On this auspicious affair, the host looked back on the two countries’ lasting partnership.
Further enriching the affair was the Consul General’s historical overview of the region, which highlighted the deep relationship between Japan and Mindanao. It was 123 years ago, in 1905, when the Japanese migration to Mindanao began and Davao was referred to as “Little Tokyo.”
Dr. Tomas Monteverde III, Honorary Consul of New Zealand in Davao Vic Lao, and Honorary Consul of Mexico in Davao Malu Monteverde
Dr. Tomas Monteverde III, Honorary Consul of New Zealand in Davao Vic Lao, and Honorary Consul of Mexico in Davao Malu Monteverde
Zaldy Magnaye of JFM Corporation, Stephen Antig of PBGEA, and William Leh of TriStar
Zaldy Magnaye of JFM Corporation, Stephen Antig of PBGEA, and William Leh of TriStar
Consul General Hirotaka Ono and Teresita Ono with the Davao City councilors
Consul General Hirotaka Ono and Teresita Ono with the Davao City councilors
Suzuki Philippines’ Koichiro Hirao and Yasuki Nakagawa
Suzuki Philippines’ Koichiro Hirao and Yasuki Nakagawa
Yuta Toyai, assistant chief of the International Affairs Division of Hamamatsu City, receiving a Philippine traditional musical instrument from DepED
Yuta Toyai, assistant chief of the International Affairs Division of Hamamatsu City, receiving a Philippine traditional musical instrument from DepED
American Chamber of Commerce–Mindanao’s Peter Cowles and Marilou Sian
American Chamber of Commerce–Mindanao’s Peter Cowles and Marilou Sian
Consul General Hirotaka Ono and Teresita Ono with the author
Consul General Hirotaka Ono and Teresita Ono with the author
“Over the years, the Japanese migrants contributed to the local economy and society, growing abaca and building thriving communities. Before the Pacific War, more than 20,000 Japanese lived in Davao, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication, skill, and community spirit. Moreover, the strong ties between Japan and Mindanao exist thanks to the unwavering support of all of you gathered here today, through your efforts in economic relations, cultural and educational exchanges, and people-to-people connections. Our partnership with this region comes alive in the many collaborations and initiatives on display this evening,” said Consul General Hirotaka Ono as he directed the guests’ attention to the various organizations from Japan and the Philippines exhibiting industrial, food and beverage, educational, and tourism products.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte's message, through Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, extended his gratitude to the Consulate General, Davao’s sister cities, and steadfast partners in Japan for their vital contributions to the people of Davao City. “Beyond historical ties, our shared heritage continues to shape the identity of our city into what it is today. Daghang salamat for your continued commitment to further sustainable growth and progress in our communities,” delivered the Davao City mayor.

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