During the 70's, a handful of television networks aired TV shows that frequently depicted the struggle against oppression where people fought tyrants, aliens, and whatnots using laser weapons, advanced warships, and giant robots. Mazinger Z, Voltes-V, Space Cruiser Yamato...these Japanese-animated stories (better known as anime) portray emotionally-driven characters that deviate from cartoons westerners usually produce. The continuous flow of Japanese media caused a minority of Filipinos to take interest in the culture that came with it. Who would’ve thought that a simple inclination would develop into a major cultural influence?

Today, people learn just about anything with Internet access on hand. Those inclined to Japanese culture can effortlessly read and watch more of it. They can study Nihongo through smartphone applications or partake in the Unmei Expo 2016: Career and Study Fair for Japanese Language Enthusiasts. The Japanese Embassy also conducts lessons for those who want to learn the language in a school-type environment.

The growing fan base of anime fans gave rise to a list of conventions every year. We have Cosplay (Costume Play) Mania, Animax Carnival, Otaku Connection, and a whole lot more. Television networks recognized the growing interest of the public and introduced Japanese soap operas (J-Drama) such as One Litter of Tears and Summer Snow. Live-action adaptations of anime such as Gokusen (Gangster Teacher), Nodame Cantabile, and Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo (The Kindaichi Case Files) also aired. In addition, Japanese movies made its way to select cinemas. Take for instance the Rurouni Kenshin (Kenshin the Wandering Swordsman) trilogy where the director, together with three of the main cast, came for a red carpet screening. Shang Cineplex, UP Film Institute at UP Diliman, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines even held one of the longest-running foreign film festival called Eiga Sai (roughly translated as Movie Year). This event stretched its screenings to Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.