IMIN Philippine-Japan Historical Museum

29/08/2026

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 | 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 #𝟬𝟰

A new artifact has recently been added to the collection of the IMIN The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum.

On August 20, 2026, IMIN received a vintage World War II news teletype document dating to circa 1945, generously donated by 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.

The document references General MacArthur’s announcement of the 31st Army Division joining the 24th Division in the push toward Davao, describing the city as the last major Japanese stronghold in the Philippines. As a wartime news document, it provides a glimpse into how events surrounding Davao were reported as they unfolded.

More than 80 years old and showing visible signs of age, this fragile document preserves a significant moment in Davao’s wartime history. Artifacts such as this remind us that history is not only found in books—it can also be found in the original documents that recorded events as they happened.

The donation was formally received by Head Curator Mrs. Karina Cadiogan and Museum-in-Charge Ms. Leanna Butaya. Mr. Mether was accompanied by his wife, an alumna of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School under the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Association, Inc.

IMIN sincerely thanks 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 for entrusting this historical document to the museum and helping us preserve another piece of Davao’s wartime story for future generations.

Join us every Artifact Spotlight Saturday as we uncover more pieces of our shared Philippine-Japan history.

20/08/2026

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼’𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗞𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻

Snaps of our visitors from 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗠𝗥𝗜 𝗛𝗜𝗝𝗢𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗖. during the Kadayawan weekend!

Our guests enjoyed a guided tour through the museum, discovering stories and artifacts that help us understand Davao’s rich history and the connections between the Philippines and Japan. Their visit ended with a fun and creative origami-making activity, bringing a little Japanese tradition into the experience.

Learning about our local history helps us better understand where our communities came from, appreciate the people and cultures that shaped them, and pass these stories on to future generations.

Thank you, CARD MRI HIJOS TOURS INC., for spending part of your Kadayawan weekend with us! We hope to welcome you again soon.

17/08/2026

𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼–𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

Over the Kadayawan weekend, we were honored to welcome representatives from 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮, 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 to 𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 as they explored Davao’s history and the longstanding connections between our two countries.

With Davao City and Sennan City sharing a sister-city relationship since 2023, their visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen friendship and create meaningful opportunities for cultural and educational exchange.

At IMIN, we believe that learning about the past can help build stronger connections for the future. Come visit us and discover the stories that connect Davao, Japan, and the people who continue to bring our communities closer together.

12/08/2026

Celebrate Kadayawan 2026 with a journey through Davao’s rich Filipino-Japanese heritage!

For the entire month of August, enjoy 20% OFF your entrance fee at IMIN – The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum.

Discover fascinating stories, heritage, and the cultural connections that shaped Davao—from its early Japanese community to the vibrant history of the city we know today.

📅 August 1–31, 2026
🎟️ 20% OFF Entrance Fee

Bring your family and friends and make IMIN part of your Kadayawan celebration!

📍 IMIN The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum
📞 (082) 295 0221

IMIN: The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum 🇵🇭🇯🇵
Preserving over a century of shared history, heritage, and friendship between Japan and the Philippines through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and stories in Calinan, Davao City.

06/08/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟳𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻–𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

On 31 July 2026, 𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 proudly hosted the hybrid seminar-forum and roundtable discussion, "From History to Horizons: Celebrating 70 Years of Japan–Philippines Friendship." Organized by the 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿, headed by its President Dr. Anderson V. Villa, in partnership with the 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗞𝗼𝗸𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗶 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗸𝘂, the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, and the 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆–𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, the event gathered scholars, researchers, students, and members of the Japanese-Filipino community to commemorate seven decades of enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan.

A highlight of the forum was the presentation of two thought-provoking research papers that explored the historical and cultural ties between Japan and Davao. 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝘆𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮 of 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝘆𝗼, presented "History of Japanese Migration to Davao: A Role for Local Researchers," emphasizing the vital role of local historians, archives, and community narratives in preserving the legacy of Japanese migration in Mindanao. 𝗔𝘆𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗶 of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝘆𝗼 followed with "Has History Been Forgotten?: Enduring Japaneseness and Historical Memories among Japanese Descendants in Davao," examining how Japanese descendants continue to preserve their identity, cultural heritage, and collective memories across generations. The presentations sparked a meaningful exchange of ideas during the open forum, reinforcing the importance of research and dialogue in preserving our shared history.

The gathering concluded with a fellowship and a guided tour of IMIN – The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum, where participants explored exhibits that tell the story of the longstanding relationship between the Filipino and Japanese peoples. As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Japan–Philippines Friendship, IMIN remains committed to serving as a bridge between history and the future by fostering research, cultural appreciation, and international cooperation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, speakers, participants, and guests for making this event a meaningful success. Special thanks to the 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗡𝗝𝗞 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻 for beautifully capturing the memorable moments of the forum through their lens.

25/07/2026

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 | 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 #𝟬𝟯

How did people write before pens, printers, and computers?

This week, Artifact Spotlight Saturday features a traditional Japanese calligraphy set preserved at 𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺.

Before modern writing instruments became commonplace, Japanese calligraphy relied on a carefully assembled set of essential tools. A typical set included a brush (fude) for writing, a solid ink stick (sumi), an ink stone (suzuri) used to grind the ink with water, a paperweight (bunchin) to keep paper in place, and a seal with its stamp pad, reflecting the long tradition of personal seals in Japanese culture.

Far more than simple writing tools, these objects represent the artistry, discipline, and cultural importance of the written word in Japan. For centuries, calligraphy was not only a practical means of communication but also a respected art form that emphasized patience, precision, and self-expression.

This calligraphy set has been part of 𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡 since the museum's founding in 1994, serving as one of the many artifacts that help tell the story of Japanese culture and its connections with the Philippines.

Every artifact has a story to tell. Join us every Artifact Spotlight Saturday as we uncover another piece of our shared Philippine–Japan history.

📍 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺

Cesar Matsuo St., Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai School of Calinan Compound, Calinan, Davao City

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 | 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 – 𝟱:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠

24/07/2026

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲

History has no language barrier. Curiosity is enough.

At IMIN – The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum, visitors from around the world discover the remarkable story of hag-utan—the abaca industry that transformed Davao into one of the world's leading producers of Manila h**p before the Second World War.

By 1934, Japanese planters produced approximately 80% of Davao's abaca, harvesting around 500,000 bales of h**p each year. More than 95% of this production was exported to Japan, where the fiber was used to manufacture rope, paper pulp, and other industrial products.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆.

Every artifact and every story inside IMIN reminds us that history is not only about the past—it is about understanding how people, industries, and cultures shaped the world we live in today.

📍 IMIN – The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum

Cesar Matsuo St., Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai School of Calinan Compound, Calinan, Davao City

🚶 Open to the public for walk-in visitors from Mondays to Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

23/07/2026

IMIN – The Philippine-Japan Historical Museum will have adjusted operating hours on Friday, July 24, 2026 due to a scheduled event.

🕗 Open: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
🔒 Closed: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Regular museum operations will resume on our next scheduled opening day.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

23/07/2026

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟳𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀–𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

Today, we join the Philippines and Japan in celebrating 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀–𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝘆 and the 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀–𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝟳𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 between our two nations.

At 𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺, this occasion carries special meaning. Our museum stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between Filipinos and Japanese—a relationship shaped by shared history and enriched by generations of cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual respect.

For seven decades, the Philippines and Japan have built a partnership founded on trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity. Beyond diplomacy, this friendship lives on in the stories of Nikkei communities, educational exchanges, business partnerships, local collaborations, and the countless personal connections that continue to bring our peoples closer together.

As we commemorate this historic milestone, IMIN remains committed to preserving the stories of our shared past while inspiring future generations to deepen the ties between our nations. May this anniversary remind us that understanding history is the foundation for building an even brighter future together.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀–𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝘆!

23/07/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻–𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🇵🇭🇯🇵
As we mark the 70th Anniversary of Japan–Philippines Diplomatic Relations, we are proud to be part of the "𝟳 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟳𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀" campaign—joining hands with other organizations to celebrate our enduring friendship and shared future.

Founded in 1994 in Calinan, the “IMIN 移民”- Philippine-Japan Historical Museum highlights the long-standing ties between the Philippines and Japan. Renovated in 2019, it now offers enhanced exhibits and digital learning tools for visitors.

At IMIN, we remain committed to preserving our rich shared history and Japanese-Filipino heritage.

Together with our partners, we continue to weave a brighter future for Japan, the Philippines, and Mindanao! 🤝✨

📍Discover all 7 puzzle pieces across the participating pages today!


Embassy of Japan in the Philippines 在フィリピン日本国大使館 Consulate General of Japan in Davao 在ダバオ日本国総領事館 Consulate General of Japan in Cebu Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku IMIN Philippine-Japan Historical Museum PHILAJAMES-Mindanao