Princess Takamado visits PH Pavilion at Osaka Expo

OSAKA, Japan — Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado visited the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on July 7, highlighting the shared cultural heritage and diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines.

The visit served as a symbolic gesture of goodwill, underscoring both countries’ long-standing friendship and cultural exchange.

The Princess, known for her active role in promoting Philippine–Japanese relations, was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia Albano, Osaka Consul General Voltaire Mauricio, and Pavilion Manager Raquel Tria-Joya.

During her visit, Princess Takamado toured the pavilion’s striking façade, which features 212 indigenous woven fabrics from across the Philippines.

Inside, she admired 18 immersive handwoven artworks and enjoyed a live cultural dance performance.

“It is a well-thought-of pavilion,” said Princess Takamado. “From the handwoven artworks that show how the Philippines has so much to offer, to the façade that truly showcases sustainability.”

The Princess also met Kokoro chan, the pavilion’s tarsier mascot symbolizing the Philippines’ biodiversity, and was honored with three handcrafted gifts—a rattan-woven scarf, a bag with woven details, and a traditional Tangkulo scarf.

Ambassador Albano emphasized the significance of the visit in reinforcing cultural diplomacy between the two nations.

“We are immensely honored to have Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado at our Pavilion,” she said. “Her presence highlights our collective effort to foster goodwill and mutual understanding through art, culture, and diplomacy between our two countries.”

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco echoed the sentiment, saying, “Princess Takamado’s presence reminds us that tourism is more than travel; it is a bridge that connects cultures and nurtures partnerships.”

The Philippine Pavilion, themed “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” has become a showcase for the country’s rich textile traditions, sustainable design, and community-driven storytelling.

Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Marga Nograles said, “We are deeply honored by Princess Takamado’s visit to ‘Woven.’ Her appreciation for our Pavilion’s theme… reinforces our commitment to share the Filipino story through craft, creativity, and meaningful human connection.”

Princess Takamado’s long-standing connection to the Philippines includes her honorary presidency of Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes, a photo competition that regularly features Filipino entries, and her participation in cultural events hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.

Her visit further strengthens cultural and tourism collaboration between Japan and the Philippines, and affirms the Philippines’ warm reception at Expo 2025 Osaka.