The Japan Foundation, Manila is excited to announce its upcoming traveling exhibition for the young and young at heart. OMOCHA: Japanese Toys Today will be coming to two museums in the Philippines for its inaugural travel year! The exhibition will open at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, BGC from May 6 to 31, then move to the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, Iloilo from June 27 to July 26.
The exhibition offers a wide-ranging introduction to toys (“Omocha” in Japanese), from the history of toys cherished across generations, to the latest toys, infused with modern technologies and ideas. Toys, which emerged in the context of popular culture during the Edo period, were originally created as objects to pray for the healthy growth of children. Over the years, they have evolved in various ways, coming to serve not only as a fun way for children and adults to play together, but also as tools for learning and development. Being a source of play for adults as well-becoming multi-faceted items, they too play an important role in different settings across many people’s lives.
Beloved toy icons such as Gundam, Transformers, Pokemon, Sylvanian Families, and Hello Kitty and many more are sure to ignite a sense of nostalgia and a love for play with visitors across generations. Guests may also look forward to interactive areas in the exhibition, as well as public programs from well-known Filipino toy creators. Admission is free to both the exhibition and side events!
For full exhibition schedules, admission guidelines, and event details, please visit the social media pages of the Japan Foundation, Manila, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, and Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art. See you at these museums!
Exhibition Venues
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
2F North Gallery, 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Open Tuesdays to Fridays: 11AM-6PM | Saturdays to Sundays: 10AM-6PM
Exhibition Duration: May 6 to 31, 2026
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is an art museum in the heart of the city, showcasing modern and contemporary art by Filipino and international artists.
Founded in 1976, the museum seeks to shape a deeper understanding and heightened awareness of Philippine artistic and cultural heritage, as well as the links that connect people from all walks of life. Its commitment to contemporary art in all its forms and community engagement is reflected in its robust and varied exhibition and education programming.
In 2021, the museum moved to its new location at MKTan Center at Bonifacio Global City ( BGC), one of the leading and most vibrant business and residential areas in the country. With its new accessible location and dynamic art spaces spanning three levels, the museum has undergone a rebranding and is now also known as The M Museum.
To celebrate its fiftieth year in 2026, The M Museum today actively pursues a broad mission of ART FOR ALL, a unifying theme amidst a rapidly changing world.
ILOILO MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
2F Galleries 1 and 2, Casa de Emperador Festive Walk Parade, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Open Tuesdays to Sundays | 10AM-6PM
Exhibition Duration: June 27 to July 26, 2026
The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) is the first museum in the Visayas region dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It aims to enrich the community life of Iloilo province by way of exhibitions and outreach programs. ILOMOCA is envisioned as a site where ideas are constructed and engaged through art. By activating the transformative potentials of exhibitions and public programs, the museum presents art as a means and a method by which dialogues about social life can unfold. ILOMOCA is located at the Casa Emperador Building, in the heart of the Iloilo Business Park Township. It has an approximate area of 3000 square meters comprising three floors of five exhibition rooms, a theatre facility, and a souvenir shop. The development of the museum was initiated by Megaworld Corporation through Megaworld Foundation. ILOMOCA seeks to be a regional venue for the inclusive experience and study of art.
70 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship
Under the theme of the 2026 Japan–Philippines Friendship Year, “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities,” the event will bring a world-class stage to audiences through dynamic dance performances featuring artists from both Japan and the Philippines. It is also hoped that this project will serve as an opportunity to further deepen affinity toward Japan among a wide range of generations in the Philippines.
This project will be implemented as part of the Next Generation Co-Creation Partnership – WA 2.0, a comprehensive people-to-people exchange initiative aimed at promoting exchanges and fostering the next generation of leaders between Japan and ASEAN.
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