Words by CHARITO (TMJAF Founder)
The year 2026 marks a significant milestone for the Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival (TMJAF) Group. We are profoundly honored to have been appointed the official cultural ambassador for the 70th Anniversary of Japan–Philippines Friendship, celebrating seven decades of diplomatic and cultural harmony.
This milestone, themed “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” was celebrated through a series of high-profile concerts and an educational workshop titled “Harmony of Friendship: A Jazz Prelude to 70 Years of Japan–Philippine Ties”. January 20-23,2026.
Making Music Together: A New Crescendo
Since its founding, our mission has always been to unite Japan and the Philippines through jazz, but this year, we took that harmony to the next level. The project featured our powerhouse quartet from Japan: Yuki Arimasa (piano), Satsuki Kusui (bass), Hiroki Kitazawa (drums) and Charito (vocals).
A defining highlight of the Manila performances was our collaboration with the A.M.P (Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino) Big Band. Fusing Tokyo’s precision with Manila’s finest session musicians created a massive, vibrant sound that proved jazz knows no borders. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of cultural unity.
Workshops and Nurturing the Next Generation
A core component of our mission is aimed at fostering future artists. On January 21, 2026, the group held a jazz masterclass at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. Our team had an incredible time sharing the joy of improvisation and creative expression with the students—a vital step in strengthening the cultural bond between our countries through the youth.
The Cebu Experience
The tour reached a historic finale in Cebu on January 23, 2026. The performance took place at the neo-classical Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall, which was filled to capacity with an enthusiastic audience.
This closing event was co-organized with the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, reflecting the deep rooted ties in the region. The “exhilarating” atmosphere in Cebu provided a bright and hopeful beginning for the anniversary year, leaving a lasting impression of the warmth and shared passion of the Cebuano people.
Looking Ahead
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Japan Foundation, Manila, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu for their tireless support in making this project a reality.
Our hope is that this jazz prelude serves as a reminder that the Japan–Philippines partnership is a masterpiece we continue to weave together—one that we must protect and grow for the generations to come.
Watch the full highlights video here:
