Embassy of Japan opens the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship with Jazz Concert and Reception

On 20 January 2026, the Embassy of Japan formally opened the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship with a Jazz Concert and Reception at the Proscenium Theater, Makati City. 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) with support from JTI.   Ambassador ENDO Kazuya led the opening reception, followed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega who led the toast. The event was also attended by other honorable guests, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 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 message, Ambassador Endo highlighted significant milestones in Japan and the Philippines’ enduring partnership, ranging from developments in economic cooperation to people-to-people exchanges. Dubbing these milestones as “threads” woven into the fabric of Japan and the Philippines’ longstanding friendship, he delved into the rich history of the two nations’ diplomatic relations, dating back to its renewal in 1956. 
Together with Japan Airlines Philippines Regional Office General Manager Mr. FUNABASHI Takayuki, Ambassador Endo also recognized Mr. Edmon Fuerte, who designed the winning logo commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship.
Remarking on the jazz concert to formally launch this year’s celebrations, Ambassador Endo stated, “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.” DTI Secretary Roque also delivered her congratulatory remarks for the Jazz Concert, held as part of the opening event.
The evening culminated with the Jazz Concert with spectacular performances from the Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival Group, featuring Japan-based Filipina Jazz singer Ms. Charito, pianist Mr. Yuki Arimasa, bassist Mr. Satsuki Kusui, and drummer Mr. Hiroki Kitazawa. The concert also featured a special guest, the A.M.P. Big Band, who delivered a delightful musical showcase to the guests.


Remarks of Ambassador ENDO Kazuya at the “Harmony of Friendship: A Jazz Prelude to 70 Years of Japan-Philippines Ties” Opening Reception 
Remarks of Ambassador ENDO Kazuya at the “Harmony of Friendship: A Jazz Prelude to 70 Years of Japan-Philippines Ties” Jazz Concert