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MATSURI in MANILA 2026 Endorsed as a Commemorative Event of the Japan–Philippines Friendship Year 2026
March 1, 2026
MATSURI in MANILA 2026 has been officially endorsed as a Commemorative Event of the Japan–Philippines Friendship Year 2026 (70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations).
The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines. Under the theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” both countries have designated the year as an opportunity to further advance bilateral exchange and friendship.
Commemorative events are endorsed following a review of initiatives that promote exchange, mutual understanding, and stronger friendship between Japan and the Philippines across fields including economics, society, the arts, academia, sports, and tourism.
MATSURI in MANILA 2026 was held on April 25 and 26, 2026, at Quirino Grandstand in Manila. It is also listed on the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines’ 70th Philippines–Japan Friendship Year Event Calendar as a commemorative event organized by Otacute, Inc.
MATSURI has continued to create spaces in the Philippines where Japanese culture, entertainment, food, companies and brands, and local communities come together.
We see this endorsement as an important milestone. MATSURI will continue to connect people, communities, and businesses in Japan and the Philippines and support lasting exchange between the two countries through events and related initiatives.