After a nearly four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, "Japan Fiesta" returned to its usual physical event, promoting Japan's culture, on Saturday at the Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Center in Makati City.
The tourism event caters to travelers interested in learning more about Japan's majestic sights, culinary wonders, and delightful pop culture, as well as strengthening ties between the Philippines and Japan.
The event was opened by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who stated that it promotes cultural and tourism exchanges between the Japanese and Filipino people.
As the event focuses on Japanese culture, visitors can book tickets, schedule tours, and purchase travel necessities from the council's partner airlines and agencies during the event.
Visitors can also enjoy food booths selling traditional Japanese snacks and beverages such as Pocky, Takoyaki, Gyoza, and Japanese beer.
They can also see performances by Namahage Satokagura, Taiko Drummers, and a guest performer from Japan to celebrate the country's unique heritage and traditions through music and the performing arts. The Japan Fiesta Council invited them.
Apart from these, OtaCute, which organizes cosplay festivals in the Philippines, will introduce visitors to the cosplay world through a variety of stage and booth activities.
There are also games and activities planned for children and children at heart.
Similarly, performances by local and international artists, including all-girl groups MNL48 and R RULES, as well as a special appearance by half-Japanese beauty queen Yana Fuentes, demonstrate the influence of Japanese culture on the Philippines.
The entertaining trio of Japanese singer Aisaku Yokogawa, "The Voice Kids" finalist Sharla Cerilles, and Japanese comedian Yuki Horikoshi hosts Japan Fiesta.
The event took place virtually in 2021, with the last onsite edition taking place in 2019.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines organizes the current Japan Fiesta in collaboration with the Japan National Tourism Organization, The Japan Foundation, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc., and The Japanese Association Manila, Inc., which completes the Japan Fiesta Council.
The ongoing two-day fair is taking place at Makati City's Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Center until Sunday, February 19.
