Madame Ihoko Haneda, Ambassador Koji Haneda, Marga Nograles
OSAKA, JAPAN — The Philippine Organizing Committee for Expo 2025 Osaka recently hosted Woven: Philippine Diplomatic Night of Fashion and Music, a cultural celebration marking the 69th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
Held at the Conrad Osaka, the event brought together dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, and cultural partners for an evening that seamlessly blended heritage, creativity, and meaningful connection.
This year’s celebration of Philippine-Japan Friendship Day offered a poignant tribute to a bilateral relationship that began in 1956 and has since expanded across diplomacy, infrastructure, innovation, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.
Delivering the keynote remarks on behalf of Department of Tourism Secretary and Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) Commissioner General Christina Garcia Frasco, TPB Chief Operating Officer and POC Secretary General Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles underscored the power of cultural connection:
“In a world often marked by uncertainty, we are reminded that culture, creativity, and connection are some of our most powerful tools for understanding one another,” said Nograles. “The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is a living expression of this spirit—welcoming over half a million visitors, each encounter a small thread that ties us to the global community.”
The evening featured a stunning fashion presentation by internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Furne Amato, whose intricately detailed works drew admiration for their craftsmanship and cultural resonance. His collection reaffirmed the Philippines’ creative strength and its growing influence on the global design stage.
Anchoring the celebration was the theme Woven—echoing the Pavilion’s narrative, “Nature, Culture, and Community—Woven Together for a Better Future.” With 212 indigenous fabrics showcased on its façade and 18 large-scale handwoven art pieces within, the Pavilion stands as a testament to Filipino artistry, resilience, and identity.
Philippine Consul General to Osaka Voltaire Mauricio reflected on the occasion:
“The event that we have today is a milestone of our past, a celebration of our present relations, and—if we learn from each other—a forecast of what tomorrow will bring.”
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition’s Ambassador Koji Haneda added:
“The presence of Secretary Frasco during the Philippines’ National Day, followed by the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, underscores the Philippines’ commitment to Expo 2025 Osaka and the enduring strength of Japan–Philippines relations.”
Guests were also invited to enjoy Filipino musical performances, regional delicacies, and artisanal crafts featured throughout the Pavilion experience.
Looking ahead to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, the evening reaffirmed both countries’ shared aspirations for deeper cultural engagement, sustainable tourism cooperation, and regional development.
As the Philippines continues to engage the world through its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, events like Woven: Diplomatic Night of Fashion and Music illustrate how creativity and culture can draw nations closer—one thread at a time.
