Underprivileged children shine on stage at 'Cebu Bon Odori 2026', a major Japan-Philippines cultural event
Children supported by the NPO DAREDEMO HERO in Cebu, Philippines, participated in 'Cebu Bon Odori 2026', a Japan-Philippines friendship 70th-anniversary event. They performed Bon Odori, gaining confidence and a special experience.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 17:00
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Children from the international support organization 'NPO DAREDEMO HERO' (Cebu, Philippines; Representative: Junko Uchiyama) participated in 'Cebu Bon Odori 2026,' one of the largest Japanese cultural exchange events in the Philippines, held on May 16-17, 2026.
Held as part of the 70th-anniversary project for Japan-Philippines friendship, this year's Cebu Bon Odori attracted approximately 25,000 visitors over two days, with over 70 booths offering cultural experiences.
Amidst performances of taiko drumming and live music, the children from DAREDEMO HERO performed Bon Odori on the main stage, the 'yagura' (watchtower). Many children from impoverished areas, such as dumpsites and cemeteries, wore yukata for the first time and performed proudly before the audience.
DAREDEMO HERO prioritizes not only educational support but also experiences that make children feel they have value. This event allowed the children to be the 'stars' of the show.
Junko Uchiyama, representative of DAREDEMO HERO, stated, 'Peace is not just the absence of war, but being able to laugh together in the same place across borders, cultures, and religions. Seeing the children dancing with smiles on the yagura, I felt the true meaning of this event.'
The organization currently supports approximately 60 scholars and operates learning centers for about 100 children in impoverished areas.
Held as part of the 70th-anniversary project for Japan-Philippines friendship, this year's Cebu Bon Odori attracted approximately 25,000 visitors over two days, with over 70 booths offering cultural experiences.
Amidst performances of taiko drumming and live music, the children from DAREDEMO HERO performed Bon Odori on the main stage, the 'yagura' (watchtower). Many children from impoverished areas, such as dumpsites and cemeteries, wore yukata for the first time and performed proudly before the audience.
DAREDEMO HERO prioritizes not only educational support but also experiences that make children feel they have value. This event allowed the children to be the 'stars' of the show.
Junko Uchiyama, representative of DAREDEMO HERO, stated, 'Peace is not just the absence of war, but being able to laugh together in the same place across borders, cultures, and religions. Seeing the children dancing with smiles on the yagura, I felt the true meaning of this event.'
The organization currently supports approximately 60 scholars and operates learning centers for about 100 children in impoverished areas.
FAQ
Cebu Bon Odori 2026の目的は何ですか？
日比友好70周年記念事業として、日本文化を通じた日比両国の交流と、国境や宗教を越えた平和の共有を目的としています。
DAREDEMO HEROの活動概要を教えてください。
フィリピン・セブ島で教育支援を行うNPO法人で、奨学生への一貫教育支援や最貧困層地域でのラーニングセンター事業を通じて、社会問題を解決できる人材育成を目指しています。
今回の子どもたちの参加にはどのような意味がありましたか？
貧困地域で暮らし、注目される機会が少ない子どもたちが、メインステージである「櫓」に立ち「主役」となることで、自分に価値があると感じる自信の向上につながりました。
Cebu Bon Odoriはどのようなイベントですか？
セブ最大級の日本文化交流イベントで、2日間で約25,000人が来場。和太鼓や盆踊り、花火などの多彩な日本文化が展開されました。
代表の内山順子氏は今回のイベントをどう評価していますか？
国境や文化を越えて皆が同じ場所で笑い合えることが平和であり、多様な人々に囲まれて子どもたちが笑顔で踊る姿にイベントの本質的な意義を感じたと述べています。