Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, along with his wife, Akiko, led the recent fashion event titled “Thread of Dreams,” co-hosted by BENCH and the Japan Foundation, Manila.
The show, supported by the Embassy of Japan, was held as a commemorative project in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines this year.
In his opening remarks, BENCH founder Ben Chan, narrated the story of how the concept for this project began over a meal at the ambassador’s residence.
Drawing from his nearly four decades of experience in the fashion business, Chan stressed how cultural exchange deepens mutual understanding and gives new meaning to tradition, citing the event as symbolic of the Japan and the Philippines’ friendly relations.
According to Ambassador Endo, the event deeply resonated with the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.” He emphasized the importance of both countries leveraging respective strengths to build a shared future based on the foundations of peace, prosperity, particularly as the region and the world face common challenges.
The fashion show featured three Filipino fashion designers—Rhett Eala, Jaggy Glarino, and Joey Samson—who showcased 20 creations each, incorporating designs and materials that connect Japan and the Philippines.
