National Day Reception honors the 66th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

  On 3 March 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted the annual National Day Reception at the Grand Hyatt Manila to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. This year’s reception was held as part of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship commemorative events. Marking the occasion, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro sent a video message and, DFA Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim led the toast.
   
Other honorable guests attended the event, including Cabinet Secretaries, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as representatives of other Philippine officials. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo also graced the reception.
The ceremony began with traditional folk performing arts Gyozan-style Maeda Shishiodori (deer dance) and Otsuchi Shiroyama Toramai (tiger dance) from Sanriku, Japan.  Traditionally performed during festivals to usher in good harvest, these folk performances are actively being recovered and revived with efforts by the Sanriku coastal region in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
 
This was followed by the singing of the Philippine and Japanese national anthems, led by the Annex Chorale Ensemble, a collaborative group between the UP-Junior Music Educators’ Guild Chorale and the UP-Junior Philippine Conductors Association Ensemble from the University of the Philippines College of Music. With the commitment to advance excellence and public service, they have supported the academic and artistic development of future musicians.
   
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo looked back on Japan and the Philippines’ enduring bond over the decades, reflecting on the historic events that shaped the vibrant relations that the two countries have today. He also highlighted Japan and the Philippines’ strengthened strategic partnership, which encompasses various sectors, including politics, economy, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchange. Lastly, Ambassador Endo conveyed his high hopes for the two countries’ continued collaboration, encouraging both Filipino and Japanese attendees “to make our tapestry of friendship a lasting heritage of harmony that future generations can learn from and cherish.” 
   
The reception also featured Ikebana and Bonsai arrangements from the Ikebana International Manila and the Philippine Bonsai Society. Twenty-eight (28) Japanese companies and organizations also participated with specialty booths displaying a wide variety of Japanese products including fresh seafood, wagyu beef, strawberries, sake, and gourmet food, among others.



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Remarks of Ambassador ENDO Kazuya at the Japan National Day Reception 2026