Filipino Japanese Journal April 2022

ISSUE #63

APRIL 2022 • FREE

SPRING FORWARD Filipino Cuisine Takes Spotlight at

PHILIPPINE FAIR IN TOKYO

www.filipinojapanesejournal.com

Philippines Honors

FILIPINO-JAPANESE JOURNAL for Overseas Filipinos in Japan Advocacy

DOT’s Puyat Invites Japanese Tourists to

‘REDISCOVER TRAVEL’ in Philippines

FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

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Contents

Editor's Note

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Duterte Inaugurates Japan-Funded MRT-3 Rehab Project

Filipino Cuisine Takes Spotlight at Philippine Fair in Tokyo

IN THE NEWS

Japan Donates P46M Worth of COVID-19 Equipment to Philippines

pring has always been synonymous with the blooming of cherry blossoms or sakura in Japan. It is the season most awaited by many including us at FilipinoJapanese Journal.

In this issue of the magazine, we highlight the latest initiatives of the Department of Tourism in promoting the Philippines to the Japanese market.

We are also excited to share with all of you the joy of receiving the Interactive Media Award (Best Website) from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas’ Migration Advocacy and Media Awards 2021.

There is an abundance of reasons why we love springtime and one of them is the sense of hope and possibility that it brings to people. As we continue to face challenges ahead, the COVID-19 pandemic being of them, we are hopeful that this period will usher some positivity into the lives of our readers.

Japanese Government, Businesses Team Up in Support of Philippines’ Typhoon ‘Odette’ Relief Efforts

8 ON THE COVER To Renewed Hope and New Beginnings this Spring

FEATURE

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SPOTLIGHT DOT’s Puyat Invites Japanese Tourists to ‘Rediscover Travel’ in Philippines

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Japan Leads List of 2022 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants With 11 Entries

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PROUDLY PINOY Philippines Honors Filipino-Japanese Journal for Overseas Filipinos in Japan Advocacy

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TRAVEL JAPAN Across Regions: The Best Hanami Spots in Japan

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

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IN THE NEWS

Japan Donates P46M Worth of COVID-19 Equipment to Philippines MANILA – The Japanese government has donated PHP46 million worth of COVID19-related equipment to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

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he laboratory equipment and supplies are part of Japan’s grant aid to assist the country in its battle against the novel coronavirus, the Embassy said in a statement on March 24.

It added that the specialized medical equipment will extensively equip RITM in the conduct of clinically meaningful advanced research and improve its productivity several degrees higher as a center for excellence on infectious and tropical diseases.

Japan has continuously stepped up its partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) for comprehensive assistance to beat the pandemic. - FJJ

Japanese Gov’t, Businesses Team Up in Support of PH’s Typhoon ‘Odette’ Relief Efforts MANILA – The Government of Japan and various leading Japanese companies based in the Philippines have teamed up to support the country’s Typhoon Odette relief efforts.

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ccording to the Japan Embassy, the Japanese government provided an Emergency Grant Aid of USD 13 million (approximately PHP 663 million) to multiple international organizations – the WFP, UNICEF, IFRC, UNHCR, UNOCHA, and IOM – for the implementation of humanitarian assistance for survivors in central and southern parts of the Philippines.

Prior to this, they initially provided relief goods and supplies through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Dec. 23, 2021 that were distributed in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In addition to the assistance provided by the Government of Japan, Japanese businesses in the country have donated relief money and supplies worth PHP 20 million. - FJJ

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Duterte Inaugurates JapanFunded MRT-3 Rehab Project WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS/TOTO LOZANO/ACE MORANDANTE

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte led the completion ceremony of the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 rehabilitation project at the Shaw Boulevard Station in Mandaluyong City on March 22.

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he MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project was financed by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the “Build, Build, Build,” a flagship program of the Duterte administration.

All MRT-3 facilities and equipment were renovated under the project, including replacement of worn out tracks, upgrading of signaling system, and overhaul of the Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs).

“I extend my sincerest appreciation to the Government of Japan for your assistance in the project. Your country has always been a friend and an active partner of the Philippines in our development projects,” Duterte said in his speech.

“I want to take this opportunity to promote the rehabilitated MRT-3 to the commuting public and assure our kababayans that service disruptions are a thing in the past,” the president added.

Also present at the event were Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa.

“Now that we have accomplished its comprehensive rehabilitation, we can rely on the MRT-3 to run twice as fast without any untoward incident. This achievement of a fully rehabilitated railway will bring more convenience to many Filipino commuters,” Koshikawa said.

The Ambassador assured that the Japanese government is determined to build on this achievement, while further accelerating the excellent relations between Japan and the Philippines.

The rehabilitation increased the train speed from 25 kilometers per hour to 60 kilometers per hour with 22 fully functioning LRVs. It is expected to benefit around 500,000 passengers daily.

As announced by Duterte, the MRT-3 rides are free until April 30.

IN FOCUS

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ON THE COVER

Spring in Japan is arguably the most exciting of all four seasons because of the annual blooming of cherry blossoms, the perfect weather temperature, and the profoundness of what it symbolizes – fresh starts and renewed hope.

To Renewed Hope and New Beginnings this

Spring WORDS BY LEN ARMEA & HERLYN ALEGRE PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

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t is the season when people in Japan enjoy more daylight and being one with nature as well as embracing the breeze that envelops the skin after being well-covered during winter. The much-awaited activities every spring include the cherry blossom viewing, festival celebrations, gatherings in the parks and shrines, hiking, visiting flower gardens and tea plantations, and indulging in sakura-themed food.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), hanami or flower viewing has become a significant event in the country through the years.

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History, Traditions, and Significance of Cherry Blossoms The cherry blossom is one of the most iconic symbols of Japan because of its significance in the country’s history, culture, and identity. It symbolizes beauty and the transience of life.

Hanami started as far back as the Nara Period (710-794), when plum or ume was more popular than the cherry blossoms or sakura. However, centuries later, as the cherry blossoms gained the attention of more people from the court, cherry blossoms viewing became more popular.

In the Edo Period (1603-1868), the shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune ordered the planting of cherry trees in public areas such as parks in Asukayama, Mukojima, and Koganei that greatly encouraged the practice of hanami among the common people.

The most popular kind of Japanese cherry blossoms is called somei-yoshino.

It is very beautiful when in full bloom but only has a life span of about two weeks. Yearly, different public and private agencies release their cherry blossoms forecast. Some cherry blossoms bloom as early as February in Okinawa and as late as May in Hokkaido.

In most prefectures, the cherry blossoms start blooming at the beginning of April that coincides with the start of a new school year or the time when new employees enter the company. Viewing the cherry blossoms during this period marks a new beginning that makes this practice even more significant for most people.

At present, there are many places

around the country where people gather to view cherry blossoms. Some of them are Kasumiga Castle Park in Fukushima, Himeji Castle in Hyogo, Matsue Castle Park in Shimane, Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto and Nago Castle Park in Okinawa.

Message of Hope

loved ones and see life and the world through rose-colored glasses, albeit fleeting. There is nothing wrong with taking the time out to walk in the park, have a picnic under the shade of majestic trees, and find solitude in the thought that everyone is given new beginnings and hope.

The beauty that the cherry blossoms bring during spring represents a time for the people to have a sense of hope, renewal, and optimism. Today, it somehow allows them to have a breather with the challenges brought by COVID-19 and other issues and events happening in the world.

The pandemic situation in the Philippines is getting better with the decreasing trend of cases reported weekly after peaking in late December 2021 to early January 2022 due to the surge of Omicron cases. With the vaccination of most of the population in the country, the novel coronavirus seems manageable, thus, the easing of alert levels and safety protocols.

The Philippines is also gearing to elect a new set of government officials this coming May that will set the tone of what the future lies for the country. There is an intense and vulnerable political climate in the country and the Filipino people can only hope that the majority can get it right by electing worthy officials to lead the Philippines for the next six years.

Spring season is the perfect time for millions of Japanese and thousands of Filipinos in Japan to indulge themselves in the beauty of surroundings with their FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • APRIL

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PROUDLY PINOY

Corpuz receives the award for Interactive Media (Best Website) from CFO Sec. Acosta

Philippines Honors Filipino-Japanese Journal for Overseas Filipinos in Japan Advocacy PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CFO

MANILA – The Philippine government has honored Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) with the Interactive Media Award (Best Website) for advocating the overseas Filipinos in Japan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The recognition was bestowed by the Office of the President - Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) during the 2021 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards held at the Manila Hotel on March 16.

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Awardees of the 2021 MAM Awards with Sec. Acosta and Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman

n his opening remarks, CFO Secretary and Chairperson Francisco Acosta cited FJJ as a “comprehensive website,” and acknowledged it and the other 18 awardees for “using their talents and skills to tell the stories of overseas Filipinos’ struggles with personal identity, cultural barriers, and social integration.”

“We celebrate the efforts of outstanding members of the global community – media practitioners and institutions worldwide – that have dedicated their time and effort in raising awareness of the plight and triumphs of our kababayan and making them known across the globe through various media channels,” the CFO head noted.For her part, FJJ Editorin-chief Florenda Corpuz said receiving the award is truly humbling.

“Makakaasa po ang CFO na kami sa FJJ ay inyong katuwang sa pagtataguyod sa kapakanan at imahe ng mga overseas Filipinos sa Japan,” she said in her acceptance speech.

Corpuz also shared the honor with her fellow publishers, editors and journalists in the Land of the Rising Sun.“Nawa’y magsilbi po itong inspirasyon upang makabangon muli ang ating industriya sa bansang Hapon,” she said.

The recipients of the recent MAM Awards include books, films, print and television reports, and media personalities from Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. Established in 2011, it is the only award conferred by the Philippine government to media works specializing on migration issues.

Filipino-Japanese Journal, a publication of D&D Press Japan, is originally a blog site that features first-hand news, exclusive interviews, and the best topics about Japan and the Philippines. It has been a source of invaluable information, particularly for Filipinos in Japan, in the past 10 years. - FJJ FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • APRIL

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FEATURE

Vigan Longganisa, burger style

Adobo

Turon

Calamansi Juice Ukoy

Filipino Cuisine Takes Spotlight at Philippine Fair in Tokyo TOKYO – The Imperial Hotel puts the spotlight on the Philippines as it holds a fair this whole month of April to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the country and Japan.

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he Philippines Fair 2022, which was launched on April 1 at the Parkside Diner of the hotel, offers modern and authentic Filipino cuisine in Japan prepared under the guidance of the Philippine Embassy’s recommended Filipina chef.

Vigan longganisa, adobo, turon and ukoy are featured in the menu.

A calamansi juice based drink called “Water Lily” completes the list.

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V mentioned that the event also coincides with the celebration of the Filipino Food Month in the Philippines.

“From Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao, food has always been part of the warm welcome and great hospitality that Filipinos are known for around the world. So, I hope that you will all get to have more of these food experiences in the Philippines in the future. Please

enjoy the food. Let’s eat! Kain tayo! Or as they say in the Japanese language, ‘tabemashou!’”

In addition to the food, diners have the chance to learn more about the popular tourist destinations in the Philippines and the various products of the country used in making the dishes as the information is made available at the diner’s electronic screen display.

The fair runs through April 30 and is open from 11:00 a.m. - FJJ Photograph by Din Eugenio

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SPOTLIGHT

L-R: DOT Tokyo Tourism Attache Niel Ballesteros, DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking, Undersecretary Edwin Enrile, Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, JATA Chairperson Hiroyuki Takahashi and Executive Director Kaoru Minami

DOT’s Puyat Invites Japanese Tourists to ‘Rediscover Travel’ in Philippines WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

TOKYO – With COVID-19 travel restrictions gradually easing, the Philippines is ready to welcome visitors from Japan once again to “rediscover travel” after almost two years.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat engages Japanese media in a meet and greet activity at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on March 15.

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uring her recent visit to Japan, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat talked about the Philippines’ initiatives for both inbound and outbound tourism with officials from the Japanese government, leaders from the travel and tourism sector and the media.

“It was only after we vaccinated majority of our population and experienced a sharp decline in new COVID-19 cases that our government declared that it was safe enough

to resume international tourism,” she told the Japanese press during a meet and greet at the Imperial Hotel on March 15.

Puyat said that the Philippine government has simplified the entry requirements to encourage visitor arrivals.

“Arriving tourists no longer have to undergo mandatory quarantines as long as they are fully vaccinated and can present a valid negative RT-PCR result,” she mentioned.

The tourism chief noted that as of March 14, a total of 1,637 Japanese citizens visited the Philippines since the reopening

of its borders to international tourism on Feb. 10.

“It might seem like a small number but we view this as a positive start. In time, we believe that we will be able to equal or even surpass the number of Japanese tourists that we had in 2019 when we welcomed 682,788 Japanese citizens to the Philippines,” Puyat enthused.

She also discussed what to expect at the WTTC Global Summit, the world’s largest international tourism conference, which will be held in Manila on April 20 to 22.

“Hosting this highly anticipated global event is a clear signal that the country is ready to reboot the travel and tourism industry with much more fun across our shores,” she emphasized.

Puyat assured that the Philippines will fully cooperate with Japan once international tourism in the country resumes.

“The strengthening of two-way tourism between our nations will promote better understanding of our respective cultures and way of life – opening up opportunities for partnership and support across various sectors,” she stated.

Before the pandemic, Japan was the fourth biggest tourism market for the Philippines.

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FOOD

Den’s Zaiyu Hasegawa receives The Best Restaurant in Asia and The Best Restaurant in Japan awards

Japan Leads List of 2022 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants With 11 Entries

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TOKYO – Japan has came out on top of this year’s list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants with 11 entries.

ronting this group is Den (No. 1), earning the dual titles of The Best Restaurant in Asia and – for a fifth successive year – The Best Restaurant in Japan. Opened in 2007, Den first entered the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 at No. 37.

It made its debut on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list the following year, rising to No. 11 in 2021.

“Den reflects the personality of its chefowner, Zaiyu Hasegawa,” the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants said in a news release.

“Taking a playful, personal approach to kaiseki cuisine, Hasegawa and his team delight diners with creative presentations and surprising twists on traditional dishes,” it added.

The country was also represented by returning favorites Florilège (No. 3), La

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Cime (No. 6), Sazenka (No. 11), Narisawa (No. 15) and La Maison de la Nature Goh (No. 36).

Japanese chefs and restaurants were also recognized in several individual award categories. Rising 14 places to No. 13, Ode in Tokyo was named the winner of the Highest Climber Award. Villa Aida in Wakayama made a remarkable debut on the list at No. 14, earning the Highest New Entry Award.

Été in Tokyo has double reason to celebrate. As well as entering the list at No. 42, the restaurant’s chef-owner, Natsuko Shoji received the Asia’s Best Female Chef Award. Other newcomers to this year’s list include Sézanne (No. 17) in Tokyo and the Italian-inspired Cenci (No. 43) in Kyoto.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has three restaurants on the 51-100 list: Gallery by Chele in Manila at No. 69, Antonio’s in Tagaytay at No. 74 and Toyo Eatery in

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Manila at No. 94.

The prestigious list was revealed on March 29 at three simultaneous events across Asia, gathering chefs, restaurateurs, industry VIPs and media in person in Bangkok, Macau and Tokyo. - FJJ Den’s signature dish (Photo credit: Shinichiro Fujii, Jesto)

Across Regions:

TRAVEL JAPAN

The Best Hanami Spots in Japan WORDS BY HERLYN ALEGRE PHOTOGRAPH BY DIN EUGENIO

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Not only weather is forecasted in Japan, even the blooming time of the cherry trees is. Every year, the sakura forecast is anticipated by people who are eager to schedule their trips to the best spots in the country for hanami. The cherry blossoms usually start to bloom from the west of Japan gradually going up to the east. People can view the cherry blossoms as early as the first week of March in the western end and as late as May on the other side.

apan is composed of five islands divided in eight regions, each region boasting its perfect spots for hanami: Goryokaku Park, Sapporo. This park is a star-shaped fortress completed in 1864. It w as c onst r uc te d by t he Tokugawa Shogunate to protect the Tsugaru Strait from a possible Russian invasion.

Around 1,600 cherry trees line the park that highlight its beautiful shape even more. A stroll around the park would be nice in a breezy spring day, but a good view of the island is best seen from the 107-meter observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower.

Hirosaki Park, Aomori. Castles are popular hanami spots in Japan. Hirosaki Castle, built in the 17th century, being one of them. There are more than 2,500 cherry trees planted around the castle. These are said to be hundreds of years old already. There are also other areas of interest around the castle such as the Nakamichi BukeYashiki or the old samurai houses, the Choshoji Temple, and the Saisho-in Temple that houses a five-storied pagoda.

Chureito Pagoda, Yamanashi. Built only in 1963 as a peace memorial, this pagoda offers an amazing view of Mt. Fuji, somehow making the cherry blossoms just an added bonus. Sitting on a hill, it takes 400 steps from the main buildings of the Arakura Shengen Shrine to climb up to this beautiful spot. It may be tiring, but it’s definitely worth the sweat.

Takato Castle Ruins Park, Nagano. There are around 1,500 cherry blossoms planted around the park including kohigan cherry trees, which are said to have been planted as far back as 1875 when the park was first opened to the public. The Onkyo Bridge, found at the center of the park, is one of the most famous spots to view

the cherry blossoms. After a stroll, the Shinshu Takato Art Museum, found at the southern part of the park, is another option to see.

Himeji Castle, Hyogo. This Unesco World Heritage Site, fully re-opened again to the public after five years of restoration, is not only rich in centuries of history but also an eye candy for cherry blossoms fanatics. It is considered as one of the top three best castles in Japan. During peak seasons, the number of visitors allowed to enter the main castle keep are limited. Better check the people forecast (yes, they do have it!) on their website to see which dates are expected to be crowded.

Miyajima, Hiroshima. Though famous for its giant torii gate that seems to float on water during the high tide, this island is also good for cherry blossoms viewing. On this island, you can see the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, with around 1,900 cherry blossoms lining the island.

Mt. Shiunde, Kagawa. Viewing the cherry blossoms with the Seto inland sea in the background would definitely be priceless.

Climbing up the mountain, which is 352 meters high, may take around an hour, but the view is worth the hike because the spot gives an unobstructed view of the island and the surrounding waters. On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of the tip of Honshu.

Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto. This castle, built in 1607, is surrounded by 800 cherry trees.

Together wih Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle, it is regarded as one of the top three castles in Japan. Its beauty exudes a different charm in autumn and winter, but the cherry blossoms in spring add a layer of elegance to its famous stone walls called Mushagaeshi and the long wall called the Naga-bei.

- Originally published in our April 2016 issue

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