In the bustling metropolis of Manila, Philippines, the Japan Embassy stands as a beacon of cultural diplomacy. The Embassy, more than just a diplomatic outpost, has become a melting pot of shared experiences and cultural exchange through their cultural immersion program – Hello! Japan.
The Hello! Japan program is a dynamic initiative that weaves the threads of Japanese tradition, innovation, and artistry into the fabric of Filipino society.
HELLO! JAPAN Opened our kids eyes to the very core of Japan’s pride: Culture.
During our visit, we were welcomed to a room where we learned about how children live in Japan and how they are culturally raised. The Japanese PR officers showed us how to make origami, the Japanese paper art – all folding, no glue required!
The children of Casa Del Libro, Inc. also had a chance to see the beautiful sceneries and food of Japan but their most favorite would be to try the different toys of Japanese kids including a dare to try the ever challenging KENDAMA toy.
Careful not to hurt your finger bones with this one.
What is Hello! Japan Program?
The Hello Japan program one may say acts like a bridge connecting the people of Japan and the Philippines in a shared celebration of heritage. At its core, Hello Japan is an invitation to explore the multifaceted layers of Japanese culture through immersive experiences, introduction to Japanese ways and educational initiatives.
CULTURAL SNIPPETS IN THE JAPANESE EMBASSY
One of the program’s cornerstones is the rich tapestry of cultural workshops and events held at the embassy throughout the year. These gatherings offer a glimpse into the soul of Japan, providing Filipinos with the chance to engage directly with various aspects of Japanese life. From traditional paper art making, Origami that embody the spirit of ingenuity to Ikebana workshops where the art of flower arrangement unfolds.
The Hello Japan program brings the dynamic nature of Japanese culture to the forefront. Workshops aren’t confined to the traditional; they extend to the contemporary realms of anime, J-pop, and even the intricate world of cosplay. There were even occasions that the embassy visits schools or conventions to meet youngsters hyped with their unique love of both modern and old ways through animation and illustration.
But do you know that Hello! Japan also became a door to learn about the many other opportunities that Japan holds for you?
Here are some of the programs you might want to try:
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
The Japan Embassy actively promotes language exchange programs. Through Hello Japan, Filipinos aspiring to learn Japanese can connect with native speakers. Understanding the significance of language in many aspects, the initiative creates an environment for cultural exchange, breaking down language barriers and fostering genuine connections between individuals from both nations.
Want to Teach in Japan?
Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme)has sent number of participants from the Phlippines to Japan since 2014.
If you are a Filipino citizen, Physically and mentally healthy with a Bachelors Degree proficient in command, pronunciation, rhythm, intonation and voice projection in Spoken Standard Egnlish and would like to take this path, to teach English in Japan – Check the embassy facebook page for announcements on their JET Program.
The program opens every September of the year to take in applications until November. Screening follows the next year until January through February. The process will last until May, in time to prepare for the school opening in Japan which falls every August.
Check out the details at JET Programme Official Website
YOU CAN STUDY IN JAPAN
In collaboration with educational institutions in the Philippines, the Japan Embassy actively promotes academic exchanges and study programs through Hello! Japan. This initiative allows students to immerse themselves in the educational landscape of Japan, enriching their academic pursuits meshed with firsthand cultural experiences.
Since 1954, MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology) Scholarship has been sending an average of 100 Filipino Scholars to study in Japan.
The Category would be Undergraduate, Specialized Training, College of Technology, Masteral or Doctoral course, Teacher Training and Japanese Studies.
Application starts from April-May screening can last until February to March of the next year, in time for the scholar’s departure on April. Grantees will start their 1 year academic program on September or October in their host university.
want to dig more? check this MEXT JAPAN doc for details.
If you are a youth leader, there is Another OPTION – take the Young Leader’s Program under the MEXT Scholarships – This one aims to ready and develop the leadership skills of future national leaders.
If you are interested to Study in Japan, get to see the details in this Comprehensive Guide.
TAKE THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE PATH
Japan Embassy offers two Exchange options for Educational and Cultural purposes through the JENESYS and SSEAYP (South East Asian And Japanese Youth Program)
The Jenesys Program is a 10-day Youth Program that is open to all Filipino student Professionals (depending on the theme launched yearly, i.e sports, culture). The international travel expenses will be shouldered by Japan Government, and it includes visits to educational and heritage sites in Japan. Offers interactive learning experience through workshops, seminar and cultural events.
While the SSEAYP done annually, by the Japan Government with active participation of ASEAN member countries to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the Japan and ASEAN youth.
The SSEAYP shares local areas to the youth delegates including homestay during their 10-day stay in Japan they immerse in the daily life and culture of Japan, experiencing real life sceneries and through discussion, solidarity group and club activities explore the possibilities where each ASEAN country representatives can enrich connections of each country. They even get to go onboard the ship Nippon Maru for 40 days!
To get to know more about this programme, check out the NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION Facebook page
Educational partnerships are a two-way street, fostering mutual learning and understanding. Filipino students studying in Japan bring back not only academic knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of Japanese society. Similarly, Japanese students in the Philippines contribute to the cultural exchange, creating a dynamic learning environment for all involved.
THERE’S MORE TO EVERY VISIT!
Art and Cultural Gallery
Other activities the Japan Embassy may let their visitors experience is the visit to their Gallery. The Embassy hosts exhibitions and art displays that encapsulate the essence of Japanese creativity. From traditional ukiyo-e prints to contemporary installations, these displays offer a visual feast that transcends time. This allows us, Filipinos marvel and understand the rich and intricate creativity of Japanese artists and artisans.
Culinary Experiences:
No exploration of Japan is complete without a culinary journey. Through Hello Japan, the embassy becomes a stage for renowned Japanese chefs to showcase their skills, bringing the authentic flavors of Japanese cuisine to Filipino audiences. Sushi-making classes, ramen workshops, and traditional kaiseki meals become not just gastronomic adventures but a celebration of the culinary artistry that defines Japan.
These culinary experiences extend beyond the embassy’s walls, creating a ripple effect that influences local culinary scenes. Japanese flavors find a place on Filipino tables, creating a gastronomic fusion that reflects the evolving cultural landscape.
VISIT THE JAPAN EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Indeed, The Hello! Japan program is not just a simple invitation to visit the embassy to experience the country, it also is an invitation to a deeper connection with the land of the rising sun!
Hello! Japan program paints a vivid picture of a shared cultural odyssey. It made the Embassy of Japane in the Philippines not only a diplomatic hub but as a cultural oasis as well. In here two nations come together epitomizing the spirit of “Kizuna”(bond) between the two nations that once had a gloomy air. The past may have marked significantly, but the ever flourishing exchange of diplomacy and camaraderie puts it all behind.
You should definitely schedule your visit the Embassy of Japan! Their Facebook page accommodates questions about the Hello! Japan program.
This gang of homeschoolers from Casa Del Libro Inc. couldn’t get enough of Japan, immediately headed to the nearest Japanese restaurant after this momentous visit.
Homeschooling fun spelled all over!
