FilJap Magazine January 2015 by FILJAP Magazine

¥0 ee Fr January 2015 Issue 25

Brad Pitt Hits Tokyo With

Logan Lerman

Bacolod’s Masskerade

Exclusive:

Bea Rose Santiago

Looks Back On Her Miss International Reign

Philippines Gears Up For

Pope Francis’

2015 Apostolic Visit

Toni Gonzaga

On Top of Her Game

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C ONTENTS

2015

January

6 8 9 12

Cover Story Toni Gonzaga: On Top of Her Game

13 14 16

FilCom Watch Philippine Jazz Concert and Culture & Tourism Seminar Held in Tokyo

In Focus Philippines Gears Up For Pope Francis’ 2015 Apostolic Visit

Happenings Around Town Filipino Film ‘Bwaya’ Wins Tokyo Filmex Grand Prix

Spotlight Exclusive: Bea Rose Santiago Looks Back On Her Miss International Reign Celebrity News Brad Pitt Hits Tokyo With Logan Lerman Embassy News Secretary Del Rosario Lauds Japan’s 60 Years of Development Assistance

Keyakizaka Street in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo sparkles with light displays during its annual “Artelligent Christmas.” (Photo by Din Eugenio)

Editor’s Pick We Want

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Send your submissions to the editor at dang010@yahoo.com or filjapmagazine@ yahoo.com. Resolution must be 300 dpi at actual print size. Please include applicable credits and captions.

Philippine Adventures Bacolod’s Masskerade Faces Jolina Reunites With Marvin in ABS-CBN’s Drama Series ‘Flordeliza’

E D I TO R ’ S NOTE “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi In 2014, we aspired to be one of Japan’s best English magazines to read by Filipino, Japanese and other foreign readers all over the country. One year on, I am very glad with the progress we have made, but I want to go further. The only way we could do this is if we stay focused, committed, motivated and passionate on our desired end result. We need to change the

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Contents

Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Associate Editor: Nel Salvador Contributing Writers / Arlene Donaire • Oliver Corpuz Photographers: Din Eugenio Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics Advertising & Sales Office: 114-0004 Tokyo-to Kita-ku Horifune 1-26-14-501 Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Toll-Free Fax: 0800-919-3633 Editorial Office: 332-0034 Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi, Namiki 4-10-6 Wakosou 101 Mobile: 080-9153-2430 Manila Office: 407 Adalla Street, Palm Village, Makati City, Philippines Telephone: 63(2) 403-42-06 E-mail: filjapmagazine@yahoo.com

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

in focus

Philippines Gears Up For

Pope Francis’ 2015 Apostolic Visit

Another Pope is about to visit the Philippines to bring his message of mercy and compassion. Photo courtesy of Korea.net/Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han)

wenty years after Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines for the 1995 World Youth Day, Pope Francis is set to visit the country from Jan. 15 to Jan. 19. No less than Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle confirmed His Holiness’ visit whose main highlight is his trip to Tacloban to meet the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda that hit the country last year claiming thousands of lives. Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Manila from Sri Lanka on Jan. 15 at around 5 o’clock in the afternoon and will go on a motorcade to his residence in Manila. The following day, he is set to meet with President Benigno Aquino III and members of the diplomatic corps in Malacañang Palace. Malacañang welcomed the news, the Philippines being a Roman Catholic country. Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said that the government will do its best to provide a safe and meaningful visit for Pope Francis. “The government joins the Filipino people in welcoming the Vatican’s announcement confirming that His Holiness Pope Francis will make an apostolic visit to the Philippines… Pope Francis’ visit marks the 20th anniversary of the celebration of World Youth Day Manila that was presided over by now St. John Paul II,” Coloma said. “Filipinos will most certainly afford to Pope Francis the warmth of their hospitality and manifest the fervor of their faith as they welcome the first pontiff from 4

South America,” he added. On Jan. 17, Pope Francis will head to Tacloban to visit some areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda and will have lunch with the poor and survivors of the calamity. He will also bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor and visit the Cathedral of our Lord’s Transfiguration, both in Palo, Leyte. On Jan. 18, Pope Francis will spend the day with a meeting with religious leaders and will meet the youth at the University of Santo Tomas and then will go on a motorcade for the Concluding Mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park. He will leave the country on Jan. 19. Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), asked the Filipino people to prepare themselves spiritually for the coming of His Holiness whose apostolic visit will carry the “message of pastoral love, mercy and compassion.” “I invite you all, my fellow Filipinos, to extend a hearty and warm welcome to our Pope. But most importantly let us open our hearts to the message he will bring and, even now, extend the love, mercy, compassion and kindness that he practices to one another, that he may find in our country a blessed, kind, and grateful people,” Villegas said. “Let us all work and act together to make his visit a moment of grace for us and our country. When Pope Francis comes, he will show us the face of God. When the Pope sees

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

us Filipinos, may he see the living God in us,” he added. Here is the official itinerary: Jan. 15, Arrival from Sri Lanka – Villamor Air Base Motorcade to the Apostolic Nunciature – Taft Avenue, Manila Jan. 16, Welcome Ceremony – Malacañan Palace, Manila Motorcade to the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) Mass with Bishops, Priests and Religious – CathedralBasilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) Motorcade to the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay Encounter with Families – Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay Jan. 17, Departure for Archdiocese of Palo – Villamor Air Base Arrival at Tacloban Airport Holy Mass – Tacloban Airport Lunch with the Poor and Survivors of Calamities at Gonzagahaus (Residence of the Archbishop of Palo) – Palo, Leyte Blessing of the Pope Francis Center for the Poor – Palo, Leyte Meeting with the Priests and Religious at Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration (Palo Cathedral) – Palo, Leyte Departure for Manila Arrival at Manila – Villamor Air Base Jan. 18, Brief Meeting with the Religious Leaders and Encounter with the Youth – Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila Motorcade to Rizal Park, Manila Concluding Mass, Rizal Park, Manila Jan. 19, Motorcade from the Apostolic Nunciature Departure for Rome – Villamor Air Base

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Cover story

oni

Photos courtesy of Star Cinema

gonzaga

r e G ame H f o p o nT

She first hogged the spotlight when she screamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love you, Pioloâ&#x20AC;? in a softdrink commercial that had everyone imitating it. It had such a good recall to the public that when she looks back, she would probably tell herself that the said commercial started it all for her.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

ifteen years later, she is now known as Toni Gonzaga – the versatile celebrity who sings, hosts, acts and makes the viewing public laugh. Currently, she is one of the busiest Kapamilya stars hosting showbiz-oriented show “The Buzz” and reality singing competition “The Voice of the Philippines, performing in “ASAP”, promoting her seventh album “Celestine”, and recently, she starred in the movie hit “Starting Over Again” opposite Piolo Pascual and Iza Calzado. Toni has an impeccable showbiz track record. In 2002, she joined the longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga” that became her playground in hosting. It was also where the public first had a glimpse of Toni’s effervescing personality and that she’s

gifted with comedic timing that not all possesses. She surprised the showbiz world when she made the big move by transferring to GMA-7’s rival network, ABS-CBN, to pursue new changes and challenges for her career. Many naysayers would say that leaving the number one and most loved noontime show would be Toni’s downfall. But they were wrong. Toni’s career went full swing with one project after the other that always sits well with the viewing public. She reaped praises for her “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) hosting stint, made movie hits such as “Four Sisters and a Wedding,” “This Guy’s In Love With U Mare!,” “My Amnesia Girl,” “Ang Tanging Pamilya,” “My Big Love” and “You Are The One.” Her newest album “Celestine,” which was named after her real name, has shown the singersongwriter side of her where she wrote two songs “This Love is Like,” and “Awit ni Ginny.” “The songs in my album are more personal and closer to my heart. It shows who I really am as a

singer, as an artist. “My real name, Celestine, means heavenly. And like my name, I believe that this album is a great gift from heaven. It took a while for it to be finished but God’s timing is always perfect. This is the best album I’ve ever done,” she said. Aside from “This Love is Like” and “Awit ni Ginny,” songs in the album include “Got You,” “Finally,” “Sweetest Song,” “Oh Boy,” “‘Di Ba Halata,” “Kahit Na (Remix),” and “Starting Over Again.” She topbilled a successful concert, “Celestine,” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last October as a way of celebrating her 15th year anniversary in the business. And the biggest lesson she has learned in her 15-year career? “I think it is very important that you have faith in yourself first because nobody will trust you or believe in you if you don’t believe yourself. It starts within yourself because whatever you believe, you become what you believe. Your words will bring you where you want to go 90 percent I read this in one of the books. 90 percent of who you are today is because of the words you uttered when you were a kid,” she shared in her interview with Rappler. No wonder she’s called the “Ultimate Multimedia Star.”

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

SPOTLIGHT

Photos courtesy of Miss International Beauty Pageant

IVE EXCLUS

Bea Rose Santiago

Looks Back On Her Miss International Reign

TOKYO, Japan – Before passing the crown to her successor last November 11, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago granted our request for an email interview, where she talked about her humble beginnings, experiences during her reign, future hopes and aspirations. FILJAP: You started as a fashion model, how did you get into the pageant world? Bea Rose: They scouted me when I moved to Canada, I was walking downtown Toronto. My mom sent my Myspace selfies to Ford Toronto’s website, we signed a week after. FILJAP: Why did you choose to represent the Philippines instead of Canada in the pageants that you joined in? Bea Rose: Because I’m a Filipino by heart. I chose to represent a country that is proud of every candidate they send. I want to be a part of that loving, supportive and proud community. FILJAP: How was it like competing in Miss International 2013 and eventually winning the crown? Bea Rose: I seriously had the best time. I prepared for the pageant and I came to Japan to win. I really had no option B, which was scary! I left my whole life in Canada for a mission – to be a beauty queen.

FILJAP: How do you feel now that you’re passing the crown to your successor? Bea Rose: It’s a bittersweet, overwhelming feeling. I feel important with the crown. I’m scared and excited now for the new journey. FILJAP: What kind of a year has it been for you? What has been the most outstanding moment of your reign? Bea Rose: There’ve been good times and bad times. You can’t have it all. Winning the crown made me realize that everybody is pleased and will try to ride with your fame. Not everybody is your friend. But being named a Filipino pride and a street named in my honor – it’s the best feeling in the world! FILJAP: One of the responsibilities of any beauty queen is to be a role model for young women. What have you brought to this role and for what would you particularly be remembered? Bea Rose: I work with the United Nations and I’m leaning towards working

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

with them further. We have a campaign called “Iam.” Watch out for it. I will also continue working with NGOs involve in women and youth empowerment. FILJAP: Japan is a big part of your reign. How do you find the country and its people? Bea Rose: I love Japan!!!! I want to live in Tokyo! I think every human being should learn from the Japanese! They are behaved, well-mannered, respectful and hardworking people. FILJAP: What’s next for you after Miss International? Bea Rose: I’m hoping for more hosting jobs and to work with many charities. I love being Miss International because I get to work and live up my dream. FILJAP: Lastly, what is your message to aspiring beauty queens out there? Bea Rose: Always give your 100 percent. In that way, you will never regret anything.

celebrity news

Brad Pitt Hits Tokyo With Logan Lerman

TOKYO, Japan – Hollywood a-lister Brad Pitt arrived in the Japanese capital together with young heartthrob Logan Lerman on Nov. 14 to promote their latest film “Fury,” which hit theaters in the country on Nov. 28.

Photos by Din Eugenio & Florenda Corpuz

he two handsome actors were welcomed by hundreds of Japanese fans who held their cameras and smart phones aloft to take pictures of them at the Tokyo International Airport. Pitt acknowledged them with a cheerful tip of his fedora hat while his co-star Lerman, simply waved to the crowd. The following day, Pitt and Lerman spoke at a news conference in Tokyo Midtown Hall. “It’s great to be here again,” Pitt greeted the press. The “Fury” actors narrated their experiences while filming scenes inside

a tank. “The tank – there’s nothing ergonomical or comfortable about it… But what was remarkable to me is that the men, they lived in that space, they had their meals there, they slept there, they fought there, they went to bathroom there. We need to think what the men went through during those times under these conditions. It’s pretty heroic,” Pitt said who played Sgt. Don “Wardaddy” Collier, a hardened tank commander. “’Fury’ is such a unique experience to film. We spent four months before filming, living together, trying to bring authenticity to the story. And on the set,

there were no breaks. We were trying to bring honesty to the story and we really gave 100 percent of ourselves in the scenes. This is definitely the film I am most proud of,” the 22-year-old Lerman confessed. After the press conference, Pitt and Lerman suited up to hit the red carpet premiere of their film at TOHO Cinemas in Yurakucho, where they were seen signing autographs and posing for pictures with ecstatic fans. “Fury” is a dramatic war film about a platoon of tanks and its five U.S. soldiers fighting against the Nazis in World War II.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

embassy news

Secretary Del Rosario Lauds Japan’s 60 Years of Development Assistance Photos by Florenda Corpuz

TOKYO, Japan – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said on Nov. 17 that the Philippines and Japan, as strategic partners and close friends, “should continue to pursue an inclusive growth agenda that effectively put our peoples at the center of development.”

peaking at a Symposium commemorating the 60th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs, Secretary Del Rosario thanked Japan for six decades of steadfast support and contribution to the Philippines’ development efforts, as a “genuine development partner” of the Philippines.The Secretary called for a refocus of Japanese ODA on strengthening institutions and governance and building disaster resilient communities. For Japan’s ODA program to effectively craft a people-centered development response to emerging global challenges, grant programs should concentrate on innovation, science and technology, and human capital development to increase the skills, knowledge, and productivity of Filipinos. For the next 60 years, he urged Japan to continue its adherence towards “self-help” and “country ownership” and to keep up its efforts in fighting poverty, even in middle-income countries. For countries such as the Philippines, Secretary Del Rosario stressed that ODA can be used to upgrade and modernize public institutions and the entire civil service through institutional capacity12

building so as to make them attuned to 21st century governance. “Indeed, the program benefits become substantial when strong institutions exist to implement ODA projects.” “We therefore welcome more innovative program partnerships with the Japanese Government that will ensure the irreversibility of our reform agenda,” the Secretary remarked during the Symposium attended by over 500 participants at the Iino Hall in Tokyo. Secretary Del Rosario invited Japan to invest in innovation and human capital development because this strategy becomes an imperative as the Philippines enters its so-called demographic sweet spot in 2015, when majority of its population, with a median age of 22 years, enters the workforce. In this connection, he said that more grant programs that focus on Science and Technology education must be promoted. On peacebuilding, particularly in Mindanao, Secretary Del Rosario said the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) advanced the Mindanao peace process by directly addressing poverty challenges and development gaps in Southern Philippines.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

“To ensure that we continue to generate peace dividends, we welcome Japan’s recent initiatives under the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro,” he added. At the panel discussion following his remarks, the Secretary pointed out that Japan has greatly contributed to peace and development and thus for the next decades the ODA “should concentrate on training new, young, and morally upright leaders for peace-building and development, particularly in Mindanao under the proposed Bangsamoro Political Entity.” He added that given the challenge of mega disasters as the new normal, the need to have a disaster resilient country must be acknowledged and “to this end, there is therefore the need to embed disaster resilient financing as an element in ODA.” Japan celebrates this year the 60th anniversary of its ODA initiated by its accession to the Colombo Plan in 1954. Under the theme; “Growth and Poverty Reduction: The Role of Japan’s ODA,” the Symposium provided the opportunities to look back 60 years of Japan’s cooperation and examine its fruits and values, as well as to discuss the role of Japan’s international cooperation in the new era.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario is welcomed by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida prior to their bilateral meeting in Tokyo. Japan is the Philippines’ foremost bilateral development partner. As of June 2014, Japan has provided US$3.63 billion worth of ODA representing the largest share (28.6 percent) of the Philippines’ total ODA portfolio. Japanese ODA has directly contributed to

Philippines’ development efforts across a wide range of priority areas, including irrigation, flood control, education, health care, earthquake detection, rural road network construction and improvement, water supply, and livelihood programs. In the aftermath of

Super Typhoon Yolanda, Japan was among the first to provide emergency assistance to the Philippines, continues to play a major role in the reconstruction effort through the Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan.

A nn o uncement The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo will be closed on December 23, 2014 until January 4, 2015 in observance of Philippine and Japanese holidays. The Embassy will open on January 5, 2015.

Thank you. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Bacolod’s

Masskerade

PHILIPPINE ADVENTUREs

Text and Photos by Arlene Donaire

“Look back, and smile on perils past.” -- Walter Scott The “Pista sang Masskara” or Masskara Festival of Bacolod City is an annual cultural tradition that celebrates life amidst adversities – past, present and foreboding, with an endearing, charming, and unmistakably everlasting smile multiplied a thousands folds. 14

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

he word “Masskara” was coined by the late Filipino artist, Ely Santiago from the words “mass” (a multitude of people) and the Spanish word “cara” (face), thus forming MassKara (a multitude of faces). A predominant feature of the festival is the use of colorful and intricately designed smiling masks, worn by dancers and revelers alike. The masks, which are locally made by artisans and craftsmen, have over the years, acquired distinct characters and identity of specific locales, i.e., the barangays or schools within the city, through specific colors, raw materials and motifs. Held every third weekend of October or closest to the 19th, the Masskara Festival is city-wide commemoration that features street dancing, beauty pageant, drum and bugle corps competitions, food festivals, sports events, musical concerts, agriculturetrade fairs, and garden shows among others. It is one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines, with visitors growing in numbers each year. The Masskara Festival pays tribute to the Negrenses’ “steadfast character and symbolizes what the people of the City of Smiles do best: putting on a happy face when confronted with challenges.” When the festival first began in 1980, it was set against a backdrop of a socioeconomic crisis and tragedy that adversely affected the city. The festival became a vehicle for the city’s artists, local government and civic groups to band together, with the intent of reinvigorating the community. The inaugural festival was a show of force, a declaration of strength and faith that Bacolod City would endure and rise up from the slump. Make your next Philippine adventure be a charming one, join the Masskerade in Bacolod City!

*http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/MassKara_Festival * h t t p : / / itsmorefuninthephilippines. com/masskara-festival/ FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

FACES

ABS-CBN is set to release another TV masterpiece soon via the heartwrenching family drama series “Flordeliza,” which features the highly anticipated return of the 90’s iconic Kapamilya love team of Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin, who are both bound to reveal to the audience their more mature and more dramatic roles.

Text and photos courtesy of ABS-CBN

Jolina Reunites With Marvin

in ABS-CBN’s Drama Series ‘Flordeliza’

“J

olina and Marvin are known for their romantic-comedy projects. But over the years, we saw them grow as individual actors and both of them earned awards of their own. And here in ‘Flordeliza,’ they will take their loveteam to the next level. Both of them will take on serious roles and perform heavy dramatic scenes,” said Master Storyteller Wenn V. Deramas, who conceptualized and directed the reunion project of the MarJo tandem. “Our series is a touching tale about two families. It focuses on two mothers and their respective daughters, who will be drawn closer by love but torn apart by one sad truth,” Direk Wenn explained about their series that will remind TV viewers about the important role of the family in molding the hearts and minds of children. The title “Flordeliza” is based on the names of the lead characters Florida (Jolina) and her daughter Flor (Ashley Sarmiento), and Elizabeth (Desiree del Valle) and her child Liza (Rhed Bustamante). “’Flordeliza’ is one project that you cannot turn down because of its beautuful

story, great director and talented cast,” said Marvin. “The viewers will see a new Marvin and Jolina tandem, who like our characters in the series, are also parents who always put their children’s welfare first above all else.” “Unlike before, our romantic moments now have depth. Because in ‘Flordeliza,’ the stars are not just me, Marvin, Desiree and the kids, but also, more importantly, our story itself and the concept of family,” said Jolina. Completing the “Flordeliza” cast are Carlo Aquino, Elizabeth Oropesa, Tetchie Agbayani and Juan Rodrigo. It is also under the direction of Tots Sanchez-Mariscal IV. Marvin-Jolina Love Team Marvin and Jolina were last seen together as Kapamilyas in the 1999 blockbuster hit movie, “Hey Babe,” and on TV via the top-rated romantic comedy series, ”Labs Ko Si Babe,” that aired from 1999 to 2000. “It feels so good that even before the official announcement about ‘Flordeliza,’ a lot of people were already expressing

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

their delight over our reunion project on ABS-CBN. Many of them even reminisced about how they loved our tandem since the beginning and until today,” said Jolina about the unexpected social media buzz caused by the ‘MarJo reunion’ updates. “I’m really amazed with the intense reaction of the people on social social media. It’s heartwarming to know that they miss the chemistry that Jolina and I have as a tandem,” said Marvin. Despite being well-known for their wholesome and romantic-comedy films and TV series, Jolina and Marvin assured the TV viewers that “Flordeliza” will be a project like no other. “Aside from our first love scene, the viewers will be shocked with my role and the relationship that she has with Marvin’s character. I’m sure that this is something you’re not expecting to see us in,” said Jolina about the upcoming Kapamilya teleserye directed by master storyteller Wenn V. Deramas. “Flordeliza” is a heartwrenching family drama series that demonstrates the important role of the family in molding the hearts and minds of children.

Philippine Jazz Concert

FILCOM WATCH

and Mini Culture & Tourism Seminar Held in Tokyo

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he ASEAN-Japan Centre organized a Jazz Concert & Mini Culture & Tourism Seminar on Nov. 8 at the ASEAN-Japan Centre in Tokyo. Around 40 people attended the seminar on Philippine culture and tourism, while roughly 100 people participated in the concert headlined by Charito, Warren De Luna and Jazz Ramirez, and graced by Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez. Popular Philippine dishes and sweets like chicken adobo, fish sisig, pichi-pichi and dried fruits were served to the guests. Edaya, a jewelry brand, exhibited some of their items.

Photos courtesy of ASEAN-Japan Centre

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HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN

Facebook Photo/Francis Xavier Pasion

Francis Xavier Pasion’s “Bwaya” was awarded the Grand Prize at the closing ceremony of the 15th Tokyo Filmex, held Nov. 22-30 in Tokyo.

Photo by Din Eugenio

Major League Baseball (MLB) players Hector Santiago from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Jerry Blevins from the Washington Nationals visited Kabuki-za Gallery in Ginza on Nov. 16 to learn Japanese traditional culture through kabuki. Kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegoro welcomed them. Santiago and Blevins were in Japan for the “2014 Suzuki All-Star Series,” a friendly five-game series between Samurai Japan and MLB All-Star Team.

Facebook Photo/Japan Food Festa 2014

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries succesfully held the “Japan Food Festa 2014,” an event that provides enjoyment of the Japanese national selection of food, at Marunouchi Naka-Dori in Tokyo last Nov. 1 and 2.

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Facebook Photo/Tokyo Harvest

To get everyone excited about autumn harvests, the Tokyo Harvest Committee, which was set up to express respect and gratitude for farmers and fishers, held the Tokyo Harvest last Nov. 8 and 9 at Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Photo courtesy of PRAP JAPAN

The “Washoku and Rice Reception for Foreign Media in Japan” was held last Nov. 10 at the Foreign Correspondets’ Club of Japan to highlight not only last year’s designation of Washoku as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, but also the growing foreign interest in Japanese food, as well as drawing foreign attention to the appeal of Japanese rice as the foundation of Japanese dietary cuisine.

Facebook Photo/Tokyo Nail Expo 2014

The Japan Nailist Association held the Tokyo Nail Expo 2014 last Nov. 16 and 17 at Tokyo Big Sight, where presentations introducing the latest colorful nail trends of spring/summer 2015 alongside fashion, as well as workshops, demonstrations and more were made by top nailists. The “Nail Queens and King 2014,” were Miki Ando, Mirei Kiritani, May J, Youn-A, Rola, Naomi Kawashima and Matsuya Onoe.

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