On July 23, 2006, the first Philippine-Japanese Friendship day was celebrated to mark the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. This year marks the 9th year of the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day. To commemorate this special occasion, the IRFS 141 (Special Topics in International Relations) class had their own celebration within the confines of JW440.

 

In a classroom decorated with a Japanese-inspired theme, the students discussed the history of the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day. They also talked about Japanese and Philippine culture and their similarities, differences and influences, the sister-city relations between the two countries, and the security issues that both Japan and the Philippines share. To make the celebration more enjoyable, the class partook in Japanese and Japanese-influenced food like sushi, takoyaki and Japanese siomai. Japanese snacks and candies were also served.

 

It was an afternoon of learning about Japan and celebrating the ties that bind it to the Philippines. In the end, Atty. Archill Capistrano, IRFS track adviser and IRFS 141 teacher, considered the event a success – a happy Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day indeed.

IRFS 141 celebrates Philippine-Japanese Day