Japan envoy graces foundation exhibit

A traveling photography exhibition showcasing the transformation of Tokyo opened Friday at Estancia Mall, with the Japanese ambassador highlighting the city’s dynamic nature.

Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Madame Endo Akiko attended the opening reception of “TOKYO Before/After,” organized by the Japan Foundation Manila, with support from JT International Philippines and the Embassy of Japan.

The exhibition features more than 80 photographs that juxtapose Tokyo’s cityscape from the 1930s-1940s with images from the post-2010 period.

“From the cultural to the historical, we follow these artists’ works as they take us to a place where both past and present can converge, inspire, and delight,” Ambassador Endo said in his remarks.

He added that the exhibition reveals Tokyo as “a city that’s as alive and changing as the people that inhabit its charming confines,” drawing a parallel to Philippine cities.

Japan Foundation Manila director Suzuki Ben, National Commission of Culture and Arts chairperson Victorino Manalo, University of the Philippines Assistant Professor Szusza Velasco, and other guests attended the reception.

The exhibition, which is free to the public, runs from 17 May to 31 July at the third floor of Estancia Mall.