Filipina karaoke businesswoman Abby Watabe finishes college degree from Japan at 49, inspired by Leni Robredo

Abby Agwas Watabe, a Filipina businesswoman who helped build Japan's Karaoke-kan chain, earned a hospitality management degree from Holy Cross College through online classes from Japan, graduating in April 2026 at 49 after being inspired by Leni Robredo.

Abby Agwas Watabe, a Filipina businesswoman in Japan who InsiderPH says helped build the country's leading karaoke chain, has fulfilled a decades-old dream of earning a college degree, graduating in April 2026 at the age of 49.

Watabe earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Holy Cross College through online classes, studying remotely from Japan while helping manage the family business. InsiderPH reported that the commitment lasted four years.

Inspired by Leni Robredo

Watabe told InsiderPH she was inspired by former Vice President Leni Robredo, now mayor of Naga City, while helping in Robredo's 2022 presidential campaign. She said she kept seeing Robredo as a guest speaker at events wearing an academic gown.

"It was always my dream. I paid for all my nieces' and nephews' education, so I told myself, this time it's my turn," she said, according to InsiderPH's translation.

Her goal was to graduate before turning 50. Some people wondered why she still needed a diploma when she was already financially successful, InsiderPH reported, but she said there is "a different sense of fulfillment in studying".

"The door to education remained open"

"It wasn't easy. There were tired nights, doubts, and sacrifices," Watabe wrote in a Facebook post after graduating. "Even far from home, the door to education remained open and I chose to walk through it."

She also delivered a commencement speech, and wrote that "Education is something no one can ever take away." InsiderPH said she may pursue a master's degree if she can gain admission at the University of the Philippines, perhaps next year.

From Tarlac to Karaoke-kan

In a separate InsiderPH profile, Watabe is described as being from Concepcion, Tarlac, and as having worked at Jollibee and Shakey's branches before arriving in Japan. She oversees the Karaoke-kan chain alongside her husband, Noriharu Watabe; InsiderPH reported the group has 13,000 employees and 311 branches.

Watabe spoke to InsiderPH on the sidelines of a free legal clinic for overseas workers that she helped organize with DivinaLaw. "I'm happy to sponsor events like this because many Filipinos face problems," she said, according to InsiderPH's translation.

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