Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Madame Endo Akiko led the opening of TOKYO Before/After, a traveling photography exhibition organized by the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM), with support from JT International Philippines and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
The event, held at Estancia Mall in Pasig City, was also graced by JFM Director SUZUKI Ben, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairperson Victorino Manalo, and UP Assistant Professor Szusza Velasco. The exhibit, which runs until July 31, 2025, is open to the public free of charge.
Featuring over 80 curated photographs, TOKYO Before/After offers a compelling juxtaposition of the Japanese capital’s urban and cultural transformation from the 1930s–1940s to the post-2010 period. The images highlight Tokyo’s dynamic evolution, capturing both its historic essence and contemporary vibrancy.
Ambassador Endo, in his remarks, emphasized the significance of the exhibit in bridging cultural and historical narratives. “From the cultural to the historical, we follow these artists’ works as they take us to a place where both past and present can converge, inspire, and delight,” he said. He also noted the similarities between Tokyo and Philippine cities—both constantly evolving with the pulse of their people.
The exhibition is part of Japan Foundation’s broader efforts to foster mutual understanding through cultural exchange. By portraying the layers of time within one of Asia’s most iconic cities, the exhibit aims to deepen appreciation for heritage, modernity, and artistic expression across generations and borders.
Business News Asia