The Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Japan Foundation Manila and various organizations lined up a variety of fun and exciting activities for the whole of July and the rest of the year in celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month and the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
In 2006, during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, July 23 was designated as the official date for the Philippines-Japan Friendship Day and July as the official month for the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month. Seven years have passed since its inauguration, and the celebration for the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month this 2013 is now bigger than ever.
This year also marks the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation with the theme "Thoughts Connected, Future Connected." Through the years, ASEAN and Japan have forged close cooperation towards peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia.
Here are the exciting events lined-up:
| Eiga Sai 2013 – Japanese Film Festival |
Venue and Schedule:
Shangri-La Plaza Mall,
Mandaluyong City
July 3-14, 2013
Davao
10:00 AM Screening
Abreeza Ayala Mall
13:30 and 16:30 Screening
Cinematheque
July 19-28, 2013
Cebu
Ayala Center, Cebu City
August 7-11, 2013
UP Film Institute
Diliman, Quezon City
August 19-25, 2013
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Fanatics of Japanese films will be greatly entertained by the contemporary films to be showcased at the Eiga Sai (Movie Festival) to be held in Manila, Davao, Cebu, and the UP Film Institute,. Admission is open to the public and free of charge. For the detailed list of films and film screening schedules, please visit www.jfmo.org.ph or call the Japan Foundation, Manila at 811-61-55 to 58.
| 2013 J-Pop Anime Singing Contest and Cosplay Mini-Contest |
Venue and Schedule:
SM CINEMA Center Stage,
SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
July 20, 2013, 1 – 5 PM
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The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines is bringing back the much awaited Japanese musical talent search in the country, the J-Pop Anime Singing Contest, for its fifth installment. This will be a chance for Japanophiles and music enthusiasts to display their talents.
After receiving and screening entries from all over the Philippines, ten finalists were chosen. The ten finalists are: Alexyz Arcilla, Diana Tabitha Caro, Melrick James L. Celajes, Sheena Stacey Gonzales, Hikari, Incognito, Infinity, MAI, Pebbles Montales, and Vinar Takumi. They will perform at the SM CINEMA Center Stage, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City on 20 July 2013 starting at 1 P.M.
The finalists were chosen through a two-day demo CD screening with the following criteria for judging: Diction and Pronunciation of Japanese Lyrics– 40%, Voice Quality – 30%, Interpretation and Choreography – 30%. The top three winning performers will take home exciting gadgets and goodies.
Alongside with the 2013 J-POP Anime Singing Contest Grand Finale is the Cosplay Mini-Contest where the ten finalists, Cristina Adorable, Rica Gabrielle Ortiz, Kathleene Pacao, Gregory Cole Mckenzie Reyes, Crystal Sugar, Icee Ticar, Christine Jean Blardony, Seir Luke Buelos, Shan Lowel Cruz, Ashley Misaki Francisco, will display their most creative and alluring costume as they imitate the signature move of their favorite anime characters.
This year's special guest, Mr. Joe Inoue (Team J-Melo), co-host of NHK's J-Melo and the singer of Naruto's opening theme "Closer", will judge the contests and perform during the event.
The 2013 J-Pop Anime Singing Contest and Cosplay Mini-Contest is organized by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines in cooperation with the Japan Foundation Manila, and supported by Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation, Animation International Licensing, Phils., Canon Information Technologies Philippines, Inc., Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc., Canon Business Machines (Philippines), Inc., Center for Pop Music Philippines Inc., HERO TV, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc., Nihongo Center Foundation, Panasonic Philippines Corporation, SM Cinema, Sony Philippines, Inc., Toei Animation Phils., Inc., Toshiba Philippines, Inc., UNIQLO Philippines, Yakult Philippines, Inc. and Yoshinoya. For inquiries, please call the Embassy of Japan at 551-5710 loc 2318 or send an email to jicc-mnl@ma.mofa.go.jp
Venue and Schedule:
SM CINEMA Center Stage,
SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
July 20, 2013, 1 – 5 PM
The Place Promised in Our Early Days
5 Centimeters Per Second
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Anime aficionados will be thrilled to watch these two exciting animated films! Grab a friend and take pleasure in viewing together these movies about friendship and life’s adventure!
In cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines under its Film Cultural Exchange Program and SM Cinema, the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation Manila presents:
The Place Promised in Our Early Days
In the early ‘70s, where Hokkaido was separated from mainland Japan and formed an independent nation called The Union, middle school friends namely Hiroki and Takuya share two common interests: a girl named Sayuri and a plan to build a plane to fly to the mysterious tower they can see across the straits in Enzo (aka Hokkaido). They both pledge to fly there with Sayuri one day. However, the three friends separated because of time and circumstances. A few years later, their paths cross again as the two boys learn that Sayuri has been asleep for years and cannot wake. Somehow her condition is connected to the mysterious tower and interaction with parallel universes, but in her dreams Sayuri awaits for an old promise to be fulfilled—and holds the key to the world's salvation.
5 Centimeters Per Second
This is the story of friendship between Tono Takaki and Shinohara Akari. They were close friends but as time go by, their friendship grows farther and farther apart. They become separated because of their families. However, they continue to exchange contact through writing each other letters. As time continues to trudge on, their contact with one another begins to cease. Years pass and the rift between them grow ever larger. However, Takaki remembers the times they have shared together. As life continues to unfold for him, he wonders if he would be given the chance to meet Akari again as the tale embarks on Takaki's realization of the world and people around him.
Venue and Schedule:
Music Museum, Greenhills, San Juan
July 09, 2013, 8PM
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Unit Asia is composed of Isao “SANKICHI” Miyoshi (guitar), Shigeki Ippon (bass), and Tsuruya Tomo’o (drums) from Japan, Koh Mr. Saxman (saxophone) from Thailand, and Tay Cher Siang (piano) of Malaysia.
Enjoy a night of music and friendship as the jazz group, Unit Asia returns to Manila for a one-night free concert. Together with local artist, Noel Cabangon, the group will perform well-loved Jazz pieces for the Filipino audience.
| Japan Booth- Travel Madness Expo 2013 |
Venue and Schedule:
SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
July 12-14, 2013
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With Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policies known as the “Abenomics” paving the way, now is the best time to visit Japan. For more information on Japan, Japanese culture, and tourist spots please come and visit the Japan Booth at the Travel Madness Expo 2013.
| Yayoi Kusama Exhibit and Ukiyo-e: Art and Tradition |
Venue and Schedule:
Yayoi Kusama Exhibit
Ayala Museum, Makati City
July 15-September 1, 2013
Ukiyo-e: Art and Tradition
Museo Pambata, Manila City
July 17-28, 2013
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Filipino art enthusiasts will get the chance to view timeless Japanese masterpieces by present day artist Yayoi Kusama and classical woodblock art of the great masters such Toshusai Sharaku and Katsushika Hokusai interpreted by Japanese contemporary artists.
Yayoi Kusama is best known for her bold prints, psychedelic colors, and her signature quirky dots. While art works of the great masters of traditional woodblock will be given a twist by present day artists.
| Naoko Matsuoka Piano Concert |
Venue and Schedule:
Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music, Diliman, Q.C.
August 8, 2013, 10AM- Master Class
August 8, 2013, 6:30PM- Concert
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Japanese pianist, Naoko Matsuoka and soprano, Satsuki Hayashida together with Filipino pianist, Carolyn Cheng and bassist, Rainier Cruz will be having a special concert celebrating friendship and music in the tune of classical music.
| The 7th International Silent Film Festival |
Venue and Schedule:
Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City
August 23-25, 2013
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Filipino movie goers will once again be treated to the quality of Japanese film. This time the movie will be from the silent film genre. Keisatsukan (Police Officer) will give Japanese film viewers a whole new experience of Japanese cinema.
Venue and Schedule:
Lecture
Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music, Diliman, Q.C.
October 18, 2013, 2PM
Concert
CCP Little Theater, Pasay City
October 19, 2013, 7PM
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The instrumental quartet, WASABI will surely captivate Filipinos by playing cool, stylish, and modern beats with their traditional Japanese instruments. Catch this extraordinary group play their traditional instruments to produce not so traditional music. The group is composed of Ryōichirō Yoshida playing the shamisen, Hiromu Motonaga with the shakuhachi, Naosaburō Bihō on the taiko drums, and Shin Ichikawa on the koto.
