AKB48 returns to Manila for 60th PH-JP Friendship celebration

Japan’s top idol group AKB48 returns to Manila for the celebration of 60 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship on December 4, 2016 at Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig City.

AKB48 Team 8 members visit Manila for the second time to join the celebration of 60th Philippines-Japan Friendship.

12 members of AKB48 Team 8: Hijiri Tanikawa, Nanami Sato, Rin Okabe, Maria Shimizu, Ayane Takahashi, Nanase Yoshikawa, Serika Nagano, Kotone Hitomi, Riona Hamamatsu, Yurina Gyoten, Rena Fukuchi, and Karin Shimoaoki performed their group’s hit songs such as “High Tension” for their fans in the Philippines.

AKB48 Team 8 members enter the stage to give all of their fans a wonderful show.

The event program includes “Introduction to Japanese Pop Culture” and a special performance from another J-pop female group, STARMARIE.

STARMARIE members: Kishita Nozomi, Takamori Shino, Matsuzaki Hiroka, Nakane Monya, and Watanabe Kaede return to Manila for the seventh time to celebrate the event and meet their Filipino fans once again.

Aside from Japanese performances, Filipino artists also showcased their knowledge on the Japanese culture as cosplayers from Philippine local channel HERO TV performed while wearing costumes based on characters of anime show, Love Live!

HERO TV cosplayers sang and danced in tune of songs from anime show, Love Live!

The 60 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship celebration was organized by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and Hallohallo Entertainment Inc. to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries.