In 2024, the Japan Foundation launched the WA Project 2.0 – a ten-year period of intensive two-way cultural-exchange programs between Japan, ASEAN, and other Asian countries in the fields of Japanese-language education, culture and the arts, Japanese studies, and global partnership programs. This project will endeavor to strengthen the multi-faceted networks of people in the region and build relationships based on mutual trust and respect between Japan and its Asian partners through sincere and open communication.
Through graphic design and illustration, we asked JFM’s SNS followers for their vision of the future for the Philippines and Japan that will be Co-Created by the Next Generation through the cultural-exchange programs of WA Project 2.0.
Here are some of the art and thoughts that they have shared:
ARLI PAGADUAN
“Wa and kapwa—two beautiful words for people that care for each other.
As I thought about the Japanese word wa and its meaning for the Japanese people, I was led to think of kapwa, a Filipino word that means shared identity, as defined by Virgilio Enriquez, the father of Filipino psychology. It can also mean “a fellow human being,” “another person,” or “neighbor.”
This is what it means to be human: to recognize one’s self and the other in mutual respect, kindness, and compassion.
The good we do for ourselves and our neighbor today will have an effect tomorrow.
Here is where the word resonance enters: it reminded me of water and ripples, but instead of drawing ripples, I drew a spiral which is a hopeful form. It is forever open and can be continued by anyone to assure that the call for harmony echoes throughout time, space, generations, and our islands.
When people come together to help each other and share their culture and stories, peace is present, thus continuing the spiral. White birds, symbolizing peace, fly out of the center of the drawing.
JUAN CONCEPCION
My artwork captures a Japanese woman and Filipino woman in traditional attire, interlocked and surrounded by lush nature. This symbolises a hopeful future where both countries deepen their connection through an appreciation for heritage and traditional culture, particularly with reverence to the environment and the natural world. By embracing each other’s cultures and exchanging knowledge, I see a future where both countries can grow together, preserving our roots and nurturing a sustainable future.
HENCH DULIN
I envision The Japan Foundation’s WA Project 2.0 as a project that would enlighten and educate the Filipino community, sharing Japan’s vast culture, heritage, and language from the cities, towns, and down to the barrios and barangays of the Philippine Islands, and in exchange, sharing our Filipino customs and traditions to them. With this future, we can definitely strengthen our connections and networks with this cultural exchange program, making it a partnership that is forged between sincerity, trust, and friendship.
SHENG DURAN
I think planning your future is something warm, something that elevates a sense of possibility within you. I think of it as stretching your limbs until they pop into relaxation—like the sun emerging from its slumber, illuminating yet another unclouded day that you ease into. It’s not extra work you create for yourself, but rather a reflection of your determination to build, to participate in a foundation that you know is possible—not just for others, but for yourself.
Partnership is one thing, but the result of it is another. Facing odds and opportunities, moving from place to place, forging camaraderie, and bringing light to what was once a dark space—these may seem like hassles to some. But to you, they are the rhythm of a future taking shape.
The image of a plan is not merely someone jotting down places to collaborate, nor is it a calculated conspiracy of post-it notes and reminders. A plan is not just strategy—it is the ability to give people a smile in which they feel safe enough to share with you. It is the bond, the nurturing assurance, the glide of crayons, the future of our generation—one and united.
An image of a plan to hope for. An image of a plan to pursue.
This is my image of a plan: inspiring resonance in co-creating a future for the next generation.
CZARI DYAICO
Cultural exchange is not centered on one aspect; it involves a myriad of connections and experiences. It is built upon a strong connection and collaboration between countries. In the same way, kakigori or halo-halo as a concept has always been so fascinating, the way it is better than the sum of its parts. Our fellowship as countries can produce something much more fruitful compared to what we can only achieve independently. What makes halo-halo in Filipino culture special is that it is believed to be inspired by the Japanese dessert kakigori. That is why the centerpiece of this illustration began with the idea of a simple dessert, drizzled with multiple ingredients, resulting in something much more unified. This is my vision for the future through the WA Project 2.0 – that through the various projects for cultural collaboration, an exchange will develop both countries for the better, and it will feel like a harmonious home for all.
While various symbolisms can represent cultural exchange and collaboration, I chose the imagery of halo-halo because food plays a vital cultural role in connecting people. Every halo-halo is different, meaning there’s always something new, and innovation has always played a part in shaping our identity. I made the illustration festive, too. In matsuris or fiestas, we are gathered as a community to connect, and I believe it’s a representation of the cultural exchange of the future I see for the next generation.
Cherry blossoms and narra trees, kwek-kwek and dango, halo-halo and kakigori – these are a few juxtapositions I drew that show how our cultures are not that different after all. Through this, I am hoping for a successful and resonant future for the upcoming project of the Japan Foundation.
