The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) International Affairs Office (IAO), in collaboration with the Japan Information & Culture Center, (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, successfully concluded the event "Hello Japan: Explore Culture, Embrace Tradition, Experience Japan" on May 25, 2025, at the Academic Affairs Amphitheater.

The event featured the closing program of the month-long reading program, Dokusho: Explore Japan, One Page at a Time, and an informative session on Japanese culture and scholarship opportunities from the government of Japan.

Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo, Chief of the Mobility and Intercultural Exchange Unit and lead proponent of Dokusho: Explore Japan, One Page at a Time, officially opened the program. He expressed gratitude for the robust partnership between CLSU and JICC, emphasizing its role in creating international opportunities for the university community and fostering active exchanges between the people of Japan and the Philippines.

Ms. Bea Bianca Bolante, President of the CLSU Society for the Advancement of Japanese Arts and Culture (SAJAC), delivered a recap of Dokusho’s activities and successes in promoting Japanese culture through books donated to CLSU via the Read Japan Project, displayed for reading at the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio. SAJAC is a partner student organization for Dokusho: Explore Japan, One Page at a Time.

A special artwork from one of SAJAC members was presented to Hon. Matsuda Shigehiro, First Secretary and Director of the JICC, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines as a token of gratitude for his effort in making CLSU as one of the recipient institutions of the READ JAPAN PROJECT and his support to the Dokusho: Explore Japan, One Page at a Time.

An engaging info session followed, led by Ms. Mukaigawa Yurie, cultural officer and researcher/adviser, and Ms. Lorenna dG. Laanan, local staff of the JICC. They introduced the Japanese Government’s academic exchange programs and shared insights into Japanese culture.

A cultural highlight was the interactive Yukata demonstration, where students and faculty not only learned about the traditional attire but also had the opportunity to try it on themselves.

The program concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the CLSU IAO, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Embassy of Japan for bringing the Hello Japan program to CLSU.