Davao City, also known as Little Tokyo in the early 1940s had a large population of the Japanese community in Davao. The abaca industry was one of the reasons the economy was thriving and stores owned by Japanese businessmen were everywhere. This was the reason that a celebration took place in Davao City, to remind us of the time when the Japanese community existed peacefully with the Davaoenos.
On October 4, 2019, SM Lanang Premier was the venue of the opening of the 100th year JapaneseCommunity celebration where a Ribbon-Cutting took place.
Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos, Regional Operations Manager, SM Supermalls Mindanao delivered the Welcome Remarks. Present were: Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio, Kitakyushu City Mayor Kenji Kitahashi, Kitakyushu City Council Chairman Koichi Murakami, President of the Davao Japanese Association Mr. Kaneo Sato, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President Mr. Arturo Milan and Department of Foreign Affairs Mindanao Assistant Secretary Uriel Norman Garibay.
Engr. Nick Santos, in his message said: “SM Lanang Premier is proud to be a partner of Hyakunen Sai, the 100th year anniversary celebration of the Japanese community in Davao.”
“We are excited to work with the Consulate General of Japan in Davao to bring exhibitions, performances, and activities that invite cultural learning and understanding. All of these will come to us through food, fun, and festivities—all in SM’s signature mall experience.”
Mayor Sara Duterte’s message reads: “ Today, we celebrate a century of Davao- Japanese business endeavors, academic achievements, environmental partnerships, technical support and friendship. The bond between Davao and Japan has fortified through the years. Today’s celebration is important for all of us because it allows us to appreciate the milestones and the challenges we faced together, all in jpes of a brighter future beyond our century of achievemnts, and we look forward to even more meaningful engagements.”
Activities included a Japanese Cultural Show at the SMX Convention Center, Classical Music Cooncert, Japanese Food Market at the Fountain Court organized by the Davao Japanese Community, a Karaoke Contest, Cosplay Show and Animator Contest, Bon Odori (Japanese Festival Dance) and a Japanese Film Weekend presented by Japan Foundation Manila at SM Lanang Pemier Cinema.
Photo Credits: Ferdinand Mesias
