Fumiya Sankai: From PBB finalist to ‘Artist of the Year’

In time for the celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship month, Japanese actor, recording artist and influencer Fumiya Sankai was hailed as “Artist of the Year” by the Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week (CIFAW) last week in Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

Dubbed as “Konnichi-Wonder Vlogger ng Japan” in the reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother: Otso (PBB: Otso) where he emerged as fifth placer, the Japanese content creator was awarded as “Artist of the Year” for “his ability to connect cultures through humor and humility, and now, visual arts.”

“Hindi ko po ineexpect! Maraming salamat! (I was not expecting this. Thanks so much!)” Sankai said after accepting the award from the Filipino-Canadian community in Calgary.

“Actually, I’m pure Japanese and I want to be a bridge between the Philippines and Japan through my art. Like my art is a fusion,” he said at the acceptance speech.

According to him, he created paintings he called “Love Jeepney” that aimed to show his interpretation of mixed Filipino and Japanese cultures.

In PBB: Otso, Sankai became good friends with Yamyam Gucong, who was eventually declared as the ultimate winner. Together, they formed a “laugh team” with the moniker “FumiYam.”