To our new batch of scholars for Japan, itterasshai!

“Itterasshai” is a Japanese term that means “please go and come back safely.”

This was the precious message of PHILAJAMES-CEBU during their pre-departure orientation Friday, September 12 for eight new scholars from Cebu (5), Leyte (2), and Laguna (1) bound soon from this month for various Japanese universities.

PHILAJAMES-Cebu previously referred to the Philippine Association of former Japanese Ministry of Education Scholars in Cebu but from March, 2026, PHILAJAMES now stands for Philippine Alliance of Japan MEXT Scholars, “retaining the beloved PHILAJAMES acronym while more accurately reflecting the nature of the scholarship and the community it represents. The updated name aligns with a renewed commitment to resilience, unity, and service — ushering in a new chapter for the organization while honoring its storied past.”

Scholars Melissa Indig Canunayon from Balamban, Cebu, Clint Daryll Coyoca Suarez from Cebu City, April Grace Uy Lazarito from Tacloban, Leandro Glori Piga from Javier, Leyte, and Andrea Pellazar Cempron, from Laguna, qualified for the Research Scholarship Program.

Lyza Bagares Vergara from Lapu-Lapu City qualified for Japanese Studies while Matthew Gavin Cubio and Kate Alexandra Bael Kwong from Cebu qualified for the Undergraduate Scholarship Program.

These scholars will begin an exciting, new chapter of their life journey in the beautiful land of the rising sun. Japan’s cool, colorful autumn will greet them. They will also experience Japan’s cold winter and next year’s cherry blossom in spring!

For all Filipinos interested about study and scholarship in Japan, you may want to check this link - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QivPg5kPs/ and this announcement:

“The ????????????????-???????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????, together with the ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????, is hosting a hybrid (online/onsite) Information Session in English about University Programs and Scholarships for Filipino Students on ????????????????????????, ???????????????????????????? ????, ????????????????, from 3:00–5:00 PM (Philippine Time).

“The session is primarily for Grade 11 and 12 students, but junior high school students, teachers, and school staff are also welcome!

“Although applications for this year’s Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship have already closed, this session is a great opportunity to explore future scholarship opportunities, university programs, and pathways to higher education in Japan.

“University programs at the following Japanese universities will be shared: Kyushu University, University of Tokyo, and Tohoku University.

“University representatives from the three institutions will join online, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to university representatives and Foundation staff.

“MEXT Scholarship and Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship will also be discussed.”

You may also want to check the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines (www.ph.emb-Japan.go.jp) for more details/information about study and scholarship in Japan.

Watch out also for announcements about annual Japanese Scholarship orientations from PHILAJAMES chapters in Cebu, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

This year’s new batch of scholars are starting their journey to Japan this 2026, designated as the Japan-Philippines Friendship Year (the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines).

With the theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” Japan and the Philippines have laid out a wide range of events and activities aimed at further strengthening their friendly relations and promoting bilateral exchange throughout the year.

To commemorate this 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship, a logo made by artist Edmon Fuerte of Baguio City was selected through a public competition, with collaborative efforts between the two governments.

Edmon Fuerte’s logo featured ropes reminiscent of both the Japanese Shimenawa rope and the Filipino Abaca (Manila hemp) which skillfully expressed the theme of the Friendship Year: “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.”

His logo was chosen because it “embodies the meaning of advancing toward a continuous and truly strong relationship, “its design “incorporates the colors of both nations' flags, the sun from the Japanese flag, and the three stars and the sun from the Philippine flag.”