Cult hits, tech, and nostalgia take over Iloilo in Japanese toys exhibit

Following a successful inaugural run at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Bonifacio Global City, the vibrant world of Japanese toy culture is officially heading to Iloilo.

The Japan Foundation, Manila, in partnership with the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, is proud to present “OMOCHA: Japanese Toys Today.” Opening with an exclusive preview reception on June 26, from 6 to 9 p.m., the exhibition will be accessible to the public from June 27 to July 26, Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the 2nd Floor Galleries 1 and 2 of ILOMOCA in Iloilo City.

Admission to the Iloilo leg of the traveling exhibition and all its accompanying side events is entirely free. Operating under the bilateral theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities,” the event celebrates cultural exchange as a powerful bridge between nations.

The presentation is also tied to the Next Generation Co-Creation Partnership – WA 2.0, a people-centered initiative designed to foster deep cultural dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between Japan and ASEAN countries.

“Omocha” (玩具), the Japanese word for “toys,” carries a cultural legacy that stretches back centuries. The exhibition features over 70 types of contemporary Japanese toys from various brands and manufacturers, side-by-side with insightful panel displays detailing their historical roots.

Visitors will be taken on a generational journey tracking how these objects emerged in popular culture during the Edo period, originally handcrafted as symbolic talismans to pray for the health, protection, and good fortune of children.

Guests will also have a chance to get up close with globally recognized pop culture icons that have captured hearts across generations, including Gundam, Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and Transformers, among others.

In addition, visitors will also have an opportunity to explore how traditional craftsmanship meets the cutting edge, as the exhibition also features TOMY Asia’s two well-loved classic lines Plarail and Beyblade, alongside modern toys infused with robotics, digital technology, and high-tech ingenuity.

True to the spirit of “omocha,” the exhibition is designed to be fully immersive, featuring interactive play areas where people of all ages can get hands-on experience with both traditional and modern toys, keeping their childlike sense of wonder alive.

Housed in the iconic Casa Emperador Building within the Iloilo Business Park, ILOMOCA stands as the first museum in the Visayas dedicated entirely to modern and contemporary art. Spanning 3,000 square meters across three floors, the museum serves as a critical community hub where global art meets local audiences. By hosting this international showcase, ILOMOCA continues its mission to make art, culture, and dialogue accessible to everyday life.

Whether you are a lifelong collector, a nostalgia-chaser, a design enthusiast, or a family looking for an enriching weekend activity, “OMOCHA: Japanese Toys Today” invites you to rediscover the joy, artistry, and connection behind the world of play.

For full exhibition schedules, interactive area guidelines, and public program details, please visit the official social media channels of The Japan Foundation, Manila and ILOMOCA.