University of the Philippines Commemorates the 70th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Diplomatic Relations

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — July 2026 — The University of the Philippines, through the UP Center for International Studies (UPCIS), in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Manila and The Japan Foundation Manila, will stage the Noh performance of Ranshō: Paglusong sa Sigwa (Soaring Through the Storm) in December 2026, an original FilipiNoh production, as part of the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Diplomatic Relations. The project brings together the UPCIS Noh Ensemble, university students, professional artists, and eight esteemed Noh masters from Japan in a collaborative effort to deepen engagement with traditional Japanese performing arts and enrich the cultural landscape of UP Diliman.

 

Noh, one of Japan’s oldest theatrical traditions and recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, embodies centuries of artistic discipline and cultural continuity. In 2006, Noh Okina and Dance of Sisa were staged to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Diplomatic Relations, hosted by then Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

 

Established in 2005, the UPCIS Noh Ensemble has played a pioneering role in introducing and sustaining Noh practice in the Philippines. For nearly two decades, it has trained Filipino students and performers in Noh dance, chant, flute, and drums, serving as a vital bridge between Japanese master practitioners and the Philippine academic and cultural community.

 

The commemorative activities will kick off with a 30-minute press preview in August to introduce the visiting Japanese Noh grand masters—Noh Grand Master Umewaka Chozaemon of the Kanze school as shite (principal actor) and Noh Grand Master Ōmura of the Ōkura school to perform the traditional ōtsuzumi drum—and will culminate with three performances in December.

 

There will be two shows at the UP Theater on December 6 and 7 at 3 p.m., accompanied by a curated exhibition of Edo-Period Noh costumes and masks. The performance then moves to Carlos P. Romulo Hall at the RCBC Plaza on December 9 at 6:30 p.m.

 

The play is free (mode of ticketing TBA), offering students and educators an immersive experience into one of Japan's oldest living theatrical traditions and deepening their understanding of Asian performing arts through direct cultural engagement. The curated exhibition will likewise provide participants with the rare opportunity to appreciate the artistry, symbolism, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Noh.



The performance of Ranshō: Paglusong sa Sigwa (Soaring Through the Storm) marks the third commemorative collaboration between the University of the Philippines through the UP Center for International Studies, the Embassy of Japan in Manila, The Japan Foundation Manila, and the members of the UP Diliman Noh Ensemble.

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