Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya marked the opening of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Japan Festival Week today, kicking off a week-long celebration dedicated to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic and cultural relations between Japan and the Philippines. Organized by the DLSU Department of International Studies, the opening ceremony brought together university leaders, prominent members of the academe, and the student body to honor the long-standing alliance between the two nations. Among the notable attendees alongside Ambassador Endo were DLSU President Brother Bernard S. Oca, Department Chairperson Dr. Evangeline Katigbak-Montoya, Professor Dr. Dennis Trinidad, and University of the Philippines Diliman Asian Center Associate Professor Dr. Karl Ian Cheng Chua.
During his address, Ambassador Endo reflected on the historic milestones achieved over seven decades of partnership and highlighted the evolution of Japan-Philippines bilateral relations. He emphasized that academic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges remain vital to sustaining these deep-rooted ties, and he invited the audience to actively collaborate in building a shared future defined by peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.
The festival, which runs until July 10, 2026, serves as a platform to showcase the profound impact of cultural exchange in uniting both nations. Throughout the week, the university will host an extensive exhibition detailing the diplomatic history of Japan and the Philippines, alongside interactive events including cosplay competitions and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
