TOKYO, 24 May 2025 – To cap off its celebration of National Heritage Month, the Philippine Embassy in Japan participated in the first-ever Takanawa World Festival at the Takanawa Gateway City, a newly-constructed urban development by the East Japan Railway Company envisioned to be a global gateway and international exchange hub.

With the theme “Weaves, Waves and Wonders,” the Philippine Embassy booth featured woven tapestries from the Philippines, traditional clothing, virtual tours of the best of tourist sites, and delicious tropical fruits including Japan’s best-loved Philippine bananas – a hit among the mostly local crowd, especially children.

In line with the theme, the workshop on Philippine weaving was participated in by young and old alike, as they tried their hand at traditional weaving techniques using kits specially prepared for the festival.

“This is an excellent venue for the Philippine Embassy to showcase the richness of Philippine culture, heritage, tourism and cuisine to both the Japanese and international audiences, especially as we are celebrating National Heritage Month in the Philippines this May,” said Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano during her remarks at the Festival.

To further showcase Philippine culture and heritage, one of Tokyo’s favorite Filipino restaurants – New Nanay’s, served well-loved Filipino dishes, namely, adobo, leche flan and turon made from Philippine saba bananas which all were sold out during the Festival.

Another highlight of the Philippine participation was the lively and colorful folk dance medley by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Philippine Dance Troupe.