Announcement

I am a “balikbayan” – although I am newly appointed, I have been the Director of The Japan Foundation, Manila once from 2005 – 2010.

When I worked here in the Philippines in my previous term, I visited many regions around the country, from Batanes in the extremely far north to Basilan in the south and tried to develop cultural exchanges outside Metro Manila. In particular, I focused on interacting with Mindanao artists, researchers, NGOs, and students. Also, I tried not only to introduce Japanese culture, but to introduce the Philippine culture to Japan and the collaborative endeavor between us.

In order of further encourage Japanese language education, I launched with my colleagues the Nihongo Fiesta with the aim of forming a community of people learning Japanese – “nihongo-jin”. In this field, it has changed tremendously since 10 years ago. In addition to those in higher education and secondary education that JF has continuously focused on, it is being developed and promoted in various fields under such new schemes as “Economic Partnership Agreement” and “Specified Skilled Worker”. The number of Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) examinees has increased – ten times bigger, and Japanese language education is becoming more important and significant.

This time I started working in the Philippines in COVID-19 pandemic environment. What I learned after arrival here is that various online projects have been developed and the Philippines might be more advanced in digital transformation (DX) than Japan. The world of person-to-person communication in this virtual environment – we might be able to call it as the “semi-digital virtual sphere,” shows us new possibilities. This is like the relationship between virtual and real, neither repetitive nor mirrored – real and virtual connected with each other.

In an era wherein the new corona virus is widespread – worldwide, thus, a certain amount of reservation is imposed on globalization, which has never been imagined. There, the cross-border movement of people and things is severely restricted; and, in order to protect the safety of life – people are forced to shut themselves up in their nation and turn inward. In such an unexpected situation, it can be said that sharing of values ​​is tested as a link between us across national borders.

In the first place, I think that we are the ones who seek connection, and it can be said that human beings have made progress by connecting with each other. I think that is the essential meaning of international cultural exchange.

I would like to say that whatever kind of world awaits us in the future, I want to try to walk along with those who have aspiration and hope, and to contribute something for the creation of art and culture ceaselessly.

SUZUKI Ben
Director
The Japan Foundation, Manila

It has been my great pleasure to serve as Director of the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), and with sadness and pride I announce the end of my five-year term; I will be leaving the Philippines at the end of August for a new assignment in the Japan Foundation Headquarters in Tokyo.

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the kind support, cooperation, and friendship that made my assignment here very fulfilling and memorable. Together with my previous term as Assistant Director from 2000 to 2005, I have spent 10 years in this beautiful country. I really love the Philippines and I consider it my second home.

In the year 2020, COVID-19 has inflicted serious damage worldwide. However, I am really encouraged by the creative and laudable efforts in the Philippines by various practitioners.  I strongly believe that the Filipino people are brave, compassionate, and resourceful enough to overcome this unprecedented crisis. 

It is unfortunate that I have to go back to Japan during this time while everyone is facing this tough situation, and I deeply apologize for not being able to have the opportunity to meet with all of you who have been giving generous support to JFM.

My heartfelt thanks to all Filipino friends for giving me warm hospitality, smiles, and wonderful memories.

With JFM’s new leadership through Director SUZUKI Ben, rest assured that we will continue to make efforts to strengthen the bond and friendship between our two countries even more. I would greatly appreciate if you could extend to Director SUZUKI the same support you have generously accorded me. Let us work together so that we will be able to create a better way of life.

Once again, thank you very much and I wish you and your family the best of health, happiness, and prosperity.

Maraming salamat po.

Very truly yours,

UESUGI Hiroaki

20 April 2020

A Message from The Japan Foundation, Manila regarding the current Covid-19 crisis

We at the Japan Foundation, Manila hope that everyone is healthy and safe during this current crisis.

Following the declaration of an Extended Community Quarantine by the Philippine Government and to encourage social distancing for everyone’s safety, our Manila office is closed and our employees are working from home until the quarantine period is officially lifted. With the closure of our office, we also temporarily cancelled our Japanese-Language classes.

Moreover, as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) originally scheduled on July 5 in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro will also be cancelled. More information can be found here.

As for JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) scheduled in May, some changes in the schedule of the application and the test may occur in the future, so please be updated through the website. 

To stay updated with our announcements about our Japanese language classes and other programs, please follow us on Facebook.

Though the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives at work and home, I am really impressed with the praiseworthy actions and efforts in the Philippines by various practitioners in the field of arts & culture, education, and academe. We also want to share what we are doing to ensure the well-being of the communities in which we live in, and also to emphasize our commitment to providing helpful resources during this difficult time. Through the #JFManilaOnline project, everyone can learn Japanese, read about Philippine art, film, and literature, and watch films with free online materials and applications, as featured below:

• Free Japanese Language online materials and applications: click here
• Free Resources on Arts and Culture: Art Archive 01 // Art Archive 02 
• Free online streaming of Japanese Films: click here
• Arts and Culture Grants for Cultural Collaboration and Exchange

The Japan Foundation, Manila is looking to support imaginative cultural initiatives that reinforce solidarity between the Philippines, ASEAN countries and Japan to maintain a shared public space in response to the current global pandemic crisis and its effects. apply here

For urgent concerns and inquiries, please email us at email@jfmo.org.ph. Official announcements are posted on our Facebook page.

We hope that you and your families stay healthy, safe, and informed wherever you are.

Sincerely,

UESUGI Hiroaki
Director
The Japan Foundation, Manila

Talents Tokyo 2019 (TT2019), the Asian talent development and networking platform for film, will take place from November 25 (Mon.) to November 30 (Sat.), 2019 during the 20th TOKYO FILMeX. It will call for entries from May 15 (Wed.) to June 15 (Sat.), 2019.

Bringing together 12-15 upcoming promising filmmakers and producers, film experts at the forefront of cinema will share their experiences through lectures. Each participant will have the benefit of presenting his/her own project. Four experts and local industry professionals will analyze each project on its various aspects, such as directing, producing and investment viability. Also participants will have the opportunity to build networks among young filmmakers and film professionals throughout this 6-day workshop.

In these 9 years, more than 130 talented young filmmakers and producers from Asian countries/region have participated in previous editions of this project. The most recently, Yeo Siew Hua (TT2015 alumni) has received the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival with his second feature film A Land Imagined. Also Shan Zuolong (TT2011 alumni) produced a feature Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Bi Gan, and was selected to Un Certain Regards at Cannes Film Festival.

Talents Tokyo also continues to encourage its alumni to materialize their film projects through the Next Masters Support Program, including a Project Development Fund, an International Promotion Fund and Fellowship Program.

We look forward to receiving the entries from young filmmakers and producers.

*Please see the official website for more details on the project and application. (Details will be updated on May 15.)

Outline of Talents Tokyo 2019