From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo, Japan continues to be a highly popular travel destination for Filipinos. Shangri-La Plaza is giving Filipinos more reasons to visit and love Japan, as it hosts Into the Heart of Japan, a curated selection of exciting events that celebrate and promote Japanese arts and culture, as made possible in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Shang’s Into the Heart of Japan is headlined by Journey Through Japan on Screen, a new initiative by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, which aims to introduce essential destinations, goods, and culinary delights as seen in Japanese films. It will be launched first in the Philippines from February 15 to 16 at the Red Carpet Cinemas as a special program of the beloved Japanese Film Festival.

The films to be featured on Journey Through Japan on Screen are My Sunshine, a 2024 coming-of-age film about two young figure skaters in a small wintry town; DitO, a 2024 drama about a Japanese father who tries to revive his boxing career in the Philippines; Komada: A Whisky Family, a 2023 Japanese animated film that documents a small whisky distillery in rural Japan; and The Dancing Okami, a 2023 musical comedy on a young dancer’s journey to becoming an okami or a traditional Japanese inn manager, just like her mom. The mini film fest includes two talk-back sessions with Hiroshi Okuyama, the director of My Sunshine, accompanied by celebrated Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, and Takashi Yuki, the director of DitO, joined by upcoming Filipino director Mikael Joaquin.

Coinciding with the screenings is JAPAN DAY Fair, happening also at the Red Carpet Cinemas. This is where cinephiles can check out the film locations they should visit and browse all the goods and delights featured in the films. Hosted in cooperation with the Japanese local governments and tourism-related organizations, it also offers guests unique giveaways and promotional presentations about the places you should visit next in Japan.

Into the Heart of Japan concludes with Nihongo Fiesta 2025 at the Red Carpet Cinemas and the Grand Atrium. This year is extra special as for the first time, the fiesta will run for two days from February 22 to 23. As a celebration of the spirit of collaboration for all Nihongo learners across the Philippines, the fiesta features the much awaited 52nd Nihongo Speech Contest as well as a unique Kobanashi (comic storytelling) performance. Guests must also catch the rare live performance of Japan’s renowned Maiko and Geiko from Gion Higashi, Kyoto, renowned for their graceful interpretations of classical Japanese dances on February 22 at 6:30 PM at the Grand Atrium.

Special booths will also be available on the second day of the Nihongo Fiesta 2025. This includes Kana Art from the Ateneo de Manila University; anime-inspired artists @rinishi_, @bloomerart__, and @haranikala.

With the theme issho ni or togetherness and co-creation, Nihongo Fiesta has become a platform that showcases Japanese language, art, and culture; and more importantly, it fosters and deepens connections and camaraderie within the Nihongojin community in the Philippines.

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.