A celebration dedicated to the organization’s history and achievements through a fusion of Philippine and Japanese culture and festivities.
UP Tomo-Kai, formally known as the UP Philippines-Japan Friendship Club, proudly announces the celebration of their 35th anniversary. This year’s “Amakyō: Festival of Memories” is inspired by the sweet, sentimental feeling of home after a successful return following last year’s theme, Modorimichi: Pista sa Kalye, blending the vibrant Flores de Mayo with the joyous Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day).
The anniversary will be a two-week-long celebration from the second to third weeks of May at the University of the Philippines Diliman, featuring interactive cultural exhibits and thrilling game nights, culminating in a night-long artist and music festival with a colorful lineup of not only Tomo-Kai performers but also pop and cultural talents, such as cosplayers Mart and Kahon Bear; idol groups Mju:z Kiss, AS☆FIRE, and Hoshizora!; cultural performers UP Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi) and the UP Center of International Studies Bunraku Ensemble; and the acclaimed Korean-Filipino songwriter, Joshua Kim. The celebration is an appreciation of Philippine and Japanese culture and a homage to the organization’s rich history and extensive achievements.
Witness 35 years of cultural exchange and friendship through “Pamana: A Tomo-Kai Heritage Exhibit”, a three-day open exhibit to be held in the Palma Hall Main Lobby, UP Diliman, on May 5-7, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It will consist of curated displays and interactive panels showcasing the organization’s milestones and events, and a humble wish tree to stand as a quiet witness to all exhibit-visitors’ written dreams and aspirations.
Enjoy and take a break from work and studies in “Hiraya: A Game Fest”, held on May 6-7, 2025 from 12:00 n.n. to 5:30 p.m. at the Student Union Building Activity Rooms in UP Diliman. The game fest will take place on the fourth floor of the Student Union Building at Room 421 on May 6 and Room 417 on May 7. With an entrance fee of P20, it will be comprised of an all-you-can-sing karaoke, competitive board games, and exhilarating video game showdowns. Aim for victory, display your skills, find your vibe, and make new friends in this fun-filled arcade experience!
Immerse in Japanese and Filipino tradition in “Buklod: An Interactive Exhibit” on May 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Alcantara Hall, Student Union Building, UP Diliman. For P20, explore the interactive cultural exhibit showcasing kimono fitting, kanji calligraphy, origami folding, Filipino childhood games, and a tutorial of the traditional Sōran Bushi dance. Learn more about the Philippines and Japan and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!
Celebrate like never before in Amakyō’s culminating event, “Halina: A Cultural Night”, on May 16, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at UP Diliman’s Sunken Garden. A fusion of Japanese matsuri and Filipino fiesta, the program will involve electrifying performances, engaging games, and a grand cultural celebration. The festival will also feature an artist alley, merchandise bazaar, and food fair, encapsulating an unforgettable experience and the dynamic chemistry of Filipino and Japanese culture! The culminating event will be open to everyone, free of charge.
To thank its donors, UP Tomo-Kai will also be holding a special giveaway. Give a donation of P50 and above to get a chance to win a P9,000, hand-forged, fully-engraved, full tang, mono-steel katana! UP Tomo-Kai will also be conducting a prize raffle where attendees can get a chance to win anime merch, Tomo-Kai merch, and P1000 sponsor discount vouchers by attending and doing challenges during Amakyō’s events.
Follow UP Tomo-Kai’s Facebook and Instagram page for more information about event registration, the P9000 katana giveaway, raffle mechanics, and updates!
Facebook: facebook.com/uptomokai
Instagram: instagram.com/uptomokai
arkadymac.com has been a media partner for UP Tomo-kai events since 2014, so we hope to see you there as we have a speciual coverage of the event.
About UP Tomo-Kai:
Founded in 1990, UP Tomo-Kai is a socio-cultural, university-wide, and student-led organization at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The club is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Japan through educational write-ups, language tutorials, seminars, and vibrant cultural events. Members also assist Japanese exchange students and organize tours on-campus and around the country.
About The Author
