Filipinos were treated to a fascinating and moving experience at Ikusamonogatari II: Stories of Battle in Gaza, presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila last October 20, 2025, at the Carlos P Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. It featured a live performance which is a unique chronicle of the conflict in Gaza as told through traditional Japanese music and storytelling.
Ikusamonogatari, literally translated to “battle stories,” was performed by two masters of traditional Japanese music, Hiroko Nagai (koto) and Keiko Yokota (biwa) together with one of the Philippines’ foremost wordsmiths, Rody Vera. Earvin Estioco joins the performance in Manila as guest narrator.
The people who have brought this performance to life have said that “Ikusamonogatari II – Stories of Battle in Gaza forges a connection to our past, present, and the future of humanity reminding us of the enduring human spirit; to tell stories is to remember, and to exist. We are reminded of the universal theme that binds us all. Peace. In war, nobody ever truly wins — and peace is not just a dream, but humanity’s shared responsibility.”
Many thanks to The Japan Foundation, Manila for inviting us to this incredible spectacle and for having us a media partner since 2015. Our thanks as well to our correspondent and Photographer Keileen for covering the event for us.
Thank you for dropping by. Do visit us again for more features here at arkadymac.com.
#StoriesOfBattleInGaza #Peace #JFMArtsandCulture #BiwaKoto #CulturalExchange #jfm #arkadymac
About The Author
