The UP Center for International Studies (UPCIS) warmly congratulates the The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) on its 30th Anniversary.

For the past three decades, JFM has been much more than an institution – it has been a cherished friend and steadfast partner, in strengthening the bonds between the Philippines and Japan through the arts, language education, academic exchange, and countless cultural encounters. Its work has touched the lives of students, artists, scholars, and audiences alike, fostering friendships and mutual understanding that continue to flourish across generations.

The anniversary celebration reached a memorable highlight on 𝟮𝟰 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 at 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 with 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙇𝙇𝘼 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙢: 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 × 𝙅𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙣 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 Featuring internationally acclaimed Filipino-Japanese choreographer 𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗔 and exceptional dancers from Japan and the Philippines alongside 𝗦𝗕𝟭𝟵, the performance beautifully embodied JFM’s enduring mission of connecting people through culture. Witnessing artists from both countries come together as one was a powerful reminder that dance, like music, transcends language and borders. It was a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring friendship between our two nations.

For all of us at UPCIS, JFM has been an invaluable partner throughout the years. From the leadership of 𝗠𝗿. 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝘂 to 𝗠𝗿. 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘇𝘂𝗸𝗶 the Foundation has generously supported many of our cultural initiatives, including the staging of 𝘒𝘢𝘯𝘫𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰̄ (2022-23) in Filipino and Japanese and our long-running Noh Theatre program. Through its unwavering support, distinguished Noh Grand masters 𝗨𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗼 and 𝗨𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝘇𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻 have mentored UP students for more than two decades, nurturing not only artistic excellence but also deep and lasting bonds among Filipino and Japanese Noh practitioners.

We are equally grateful that JFM continues to stand with us as we prepare for another significant milestone — the grand Noh performance by our esteemed masters and their Filipino apprentices in December 2026, which will fittingly mark the culmination of this year’s celebrations.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest appreciation to The Japan Foundation, Manila for thirty years of friendship, generosity, and its unwavering commitment to fostering mutual understanding between the Philippines and Japan. May the next thirty years continue to inspire new generations to discover and appreciate one another through culture, learning, and the performing arts.