Tinikling at Tokyo Tower: Philippine Embassy and TUFS dance troupe bring Filipino folk dances to 45th Minato Citizens' Festival
The Philippine Embassy in Japan and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe performed Bendian, Kinakulangan and Tinikling at the 45th Minato Citizens' Festival at Shiba Park International Friendship Plaza on 10 October 2026, then invited festival-goers on stage to try the bamboo-pole dance.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan, in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe, took part in the 45th Minato Citizens' Festival on 10 October 2026 at Shiba Park International Friendship Plaza, the embassy reported. The showcase was held during the festival's special embassy presentation segment.
Dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
In traditional Filipino costumes, the troupe performed folk dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao:
- Bendian, a harvest dance celebration of the Ibaloi
- Kinakulangan, a Maranao dance featuring decorated umbrellas
- Tinikling, a popular folk dance from the island of Leyte
The performance ended with an interactive session. Troupe members invited Minato residents and international visitors onto the stage and guided them through the footwork needed to hop between the clapping bamboo poles of the Tinikling.
Two anniversaries
The embassy said its participation was especially meaningful this year because the festival coincided with the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Japan, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Minato City Government. Minato City's own announcement billed the 45th festival as an event marking 80 years of the ward's government, held across the Shiba Park area on 10 and 11 October, with a parade of 32 groups and about 1,800 people.
According to the embassy, 79 embassies are headquartered in Minato City, including the Philippine Embassy, and the festival remains a platform for the embassy to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural diplomacy within Japan.
Read the web like we doTurn any page into clean, ready-to-use data with FirecrawlKey facts
- The Philippine Embassy in Japan and the TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe joined the 45th Minato Citizens' Festival on 10 October 2026 at Shiba Park International Friendship Plaza.
- The troupe performed Bendian, Kinakulangan and Tinikling, then invited festival-goers on stage to try the Tinikling.
- The festival coincided with the 70th anniversary of Philippines–Japan diplomatic normalization and the 80th anniversary of the Minato City Government.
- Minato City listed a parade of 32 groups and about 1,800 people.
Official sources
Kislap reports this story for general information only. Nothing here is immigration, legal, financial, tax, medical, employment, or other professional advice; check official sources and speak with a qualified professional before acting.