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[edit] UP Tomo-Kai

The UP Philippines-Japan Friendship Club, most popularly known as UP Tomo-Kai, is an organization that aims to promote the Japanese language and culture as well as foster mutual relations between Filipinos and Japanese. What started from 7 students brought together by their interest in Japan has become a full-fledged organization — illustrious and pushing its goal for 16 years and counting.

[edit] History

With a growing number of students in the University of the Philippines (UP) becoming more interested in the Japanese language and culture, there was an apparent need to start an organization to promote better understanding between Filipinos and Japanese. Thus, seven students (now known as the 7 samurai: Derick, Eric, Alf, Kit, Flor, Gay, and Daniel) set out to publicize the club. They invited students to the first general assembly on July 7, 1990, auspiciously and coincidentally being the Japanese festival Tanabata. The 25 students who came that day elected the officers, and 23 students ratified the constitution. The club came to be known as the UP Philippines-Japan Friendship Club.

[edit] Official Logo

  • "Venus" font for the name
  • Hiragana for "Tomo"
  • Alibata for "Kai"
  • Vermilion red dot replace dash on "A"

[edit] Organization Profile

The name says it all: taking the first syllable of the Japanese word “tomodachi” and the Filipino word “kaibigan”, which both mean “friend”, Tomo-Kai signifies the camaraderie between the two nations and the sharing of two distinct cultures.

Early in its history, the organization forged an alliance with the South East Asian Study Club of Soka University, Japan, which actualized its goal of being a true bridge between the cultures of Japan and the Philippines. Another accomplishment was the cementing of informal yet vital ties with the Embassy of Japan, specifically with the Japan Information and Cultural Center and the Japan Foundation, Manila. In the following years, the club's tenets were expanded to instill social and environmental awareness among its growing membership. Further expansion resulted in a greater focus in the study of Nihongo among the members.

This interest in studying the Japanese language is reinforced with bi-monthly “Saturday Nihongo” sessions hosted by Filipica, an organization of Japanese housewives who have been very much part of Tomo-Kai’s success through their lessons about the Japanese language, life and culture. These enjoyable, informal sessions are a venue for members to practice their language skills and learn more things about Japan through the stories that are shared.

UP Tomo-Kai has proven to be a vital instrument in upholding our own cultural heritage and at the same time, promoting better awareness and appreciation for the Japanese culture and language with the help of Filipica and other Japanese associates. The organization’s annual exhibits of various Filipino and Japanese arts, usually held during its anniversary, have been one of the most admired presentations in the university. The organization also conducts series of learning seminars which contributes in encouraging goodwill and friendship among Filipino students and our Japanese friends.

In the recent years, UP Tomo-Kai has remained to be an asset in assisting and supporting not only the official Japanese exchange students but also the students from different Japanese universities who attend short, cultural immersion trips to the Philippines. This is by helping them adjust to the culture and introducing aspects of the Filipinos that they do not learn in books. It is through these efforts that a “Tomo-Kai Japan” was established by a group of Takushoku University students after their return to their home country. Members of this Tomo-Kai extension strive to promote the Filipino culture in Japan and acquaint Japanese students who have also been to the Philippines.

UP Tomo-Kai not only encourages goodwill between the Filipinos and the Japanese but also between fellow countrymen by means of outreach programs that are held at least once a year.

Supported by the Linguistic Department’s Japanese language visiting professor Mr. Yasushi Suwaki, U.P. Asian Center’s Dr.Sylvano Mahiwo, and the Filipino Department’s Dr. Pamela Constantino, UP Tomo-Kai continues in their mission of fostering understanding and appreciation between the Philippines and Japan through its many activities. All are welcomed to join in interacting with the Japanese exchange students, attending Nihongo lessons, participating in student-exchange forums, seminars, and contests, taking part in interactive exhibit and cultural shows, and learning as well as experiencing the many wonderful facets of the Philippines and Japan.


[edit] External Links

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