Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya and his wife, Madame ENDO Akiko, attended the Japan Foundation Manila’s (JFM) 30th anniversary reception and the Stella Dance Jam at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City on 20 June.

The event gathered officials from Japan and the Philippines, including Japan Foundation President KUROSAWA Shinya, JFM Director SUZUKI Ben, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, and National Commission on Culture and the Arts Chairman Eric Zerrudo.

In his remarks, Endo congratulated the Japan Foundation Manila on its 30th anniversary and recognized its role in promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Philippines.

He said the organization has been “a vital bridge” between the two countries through its various cultural initiatives and expressed hope that events such as the Stella Dance Jam would enable young Filipinos and Japanese to build “lasting friendships and a unified vision.”

Kurosawa, meanwhile, thanked the foundation’s partners for supporting its cultural programs since the establishment of its Manila office in 1996.

He said the foundation remains committed to strengthening ties between Japan and the Philippines through cultural exchange initiatives.

Following the reception, audiences were treated to the Stella Dance Jam, which featured dancer and choreographer RIEHATA and Filipino P-pop group SB19.

The performance also included members of the RHT Family, a dance group produced by RIEHATA, and emerging dancers selected through auditions held in Japan and the Philippines.

The event formed part of activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship and aimed to promote cultural exchange among young people through their shared interest in pop culture.