This ambassador cooks tinola, wears barong, and loves Voltes V

He cooks tinola at home with homegrown veggies, proclaims Philippine bananas are the best in the world, and goes to work proudly in barong.

A Filipino official promoting the Philippines?

No. It's Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, who loves many facets of local life like a native-born and promotes the Philippines, and its blossoming relations with Japan, on Twitter.

After a recent interview with GMA News online in his Makati residence, where Koshikawa discussed a wide range of issues from bilateral relations to geopolitical tensions, the topic turned to his fondness for Filipino dishes, Filipino health workers and "Voltes V."

"I am excited to let you try this food. It's a favorite among our Filipino guests," Koshikawa said as he offered a steaming bowl of shrimp guava sinigang served in Japanese lacquerware. "It is one of the dishes that holds a special place in my heart. I hope you'll love it because it has Japanese ingredients."

The locally popular sour soup was prepared with a Japanese twist by adding sake, the Japanese rice wine, and miso, to the broth, Koshikawa said, giving it a pleasant hint of sweetness. It's a fusion of Filipino and Japanese flavors that reflects his constant aim of promoting the best features of the two Asian neighbors.

Aside from sinigang, the Japanese diplomat's other favorites included beef bulalo or bone marrow soup, dilis or anchovies, dried mangoes and bananas. He fondly recalled how he got smitten by Philippine bananas with a higher than usual price tag in a Tokyo supermarket.

"It's very expensive, but there was an explanation that those bananas were produced in the Mindanao highlands. I bought and tried," he said. "I have tasted so many bananas in my life but that was the best."

Koshikawa, a 67-year old diplomat who was assigned to Manila in 2020, has been in the forefront of efforts to deepen Philippines-Japan relations— currently at the level of a "strategic partnership"—that encompasses geopolitical, economic, security, cultural and people-to-people cooperation. Japan is one of only a few countries with which the Philippines has established that kind of high-level ties.

During the interview, Koshikawa disclosed that Japan and the Philippines were preparing to start preliminary consultations before commencing formal negotiations for a "reciprocal access agreement"—also known as Visiting Forces Agreement—to boost defense cooperation amid concerns over escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Japan has been involved in major infrastructure projects in the Philippines, including the North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila's first-ever subway.

Koshikawa hailed the collaboration between Japan and the Philippines on space technology and the launch of Philippine satellites.

As a former Director-General in charge of Official Development Assistance under Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Koshikawa played a crucial role in a project that involved the Japanese manufacture of ten 44-meter patrol vessels with high-tech navigational capabilities and two 97-meter ocean-going ships that have been turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard. The PCG now uses them to patrol the West Philippines Sea and other offshore areas and respond to typhoon, earthquake and other natural calamities.

Koshikawa also shared other potential assistance by Japan to the PCG, which the Philippine government has requested, including the construction of berthing or mooring facilities for the PCG's modern fleet of Japanese-built vessels.

At his relaxing Zen-inspired home, a portrait of the late Philippine President Elpidio Quirino is displayed at the foyer of the Japanese ambassador's residence. Quirino was the Philippine president when relations between Tokyo and Manila were settling down to normalcy after World War II.

Another curious item on display at the foyer—a replica of Voltes V—touched off a lively conversation about the Japanese anime that has been a memorable part of the childhood of many Filipinos in the late 1970s. It has made a comeback in the Philippine entertainment scene this month through a live action adaptation series, "Voltes V: Legacy," by GMA Network.

Let's Volt In!
Brings back childhood memories! ???? Watching the trailer has made me shout "Let's volt in!" out of excitement ???? Can't wait to watch this in full when it finally airs this year #VoltesVLegacy https://t.co/LGspsf4tz1 pic.twitter.com/7UEtMoNxtA

— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) January 6, 2023

"I want to show you something, Voltes V! It plays the Voltes V theme," Koshikawa said excitedly as he pressed a button that played the familiar theme song—"Voltes V No Uta."

"Voltes V" was first broadcast in the Philippines in 1978 by GMA Network and became a TV hit across the country. More than four decades later to this year, GMA has re-introduced a live-action adaptation of "Voltes V," featuring young and upcoming Filipino stars and triggering a viral reaction from new and old fans in the Philippines.

"The love for 'Voltes V' stood out for me. This anime is a reflection of our timeless friendship," said Koshikawa, who wants his friends in the country to simply call him "Ambassador Kaz."

"I hope we can volt in together to achieve our shared goals and aspirations," the Japanese envoy said, using the famous battle cry of the "Voltes V" characters—'Lets Volt In!'—that is followed by their space craft coming together to transform into the popular robotic hero.

Turning to Filipino workers in Japan, Koshikawa said his most important mission as Japan's ambassador to Manila, was how to encourage more Filipino workers, particularly those in the healthcare sector, to go to Japan.

"I really appreciate that many, many Filipino nurses and care workers or caregivers have chosen Japan as their destination," he said. "I hope more will work in Japan."

The language barrier, however, has been an impediment to many Filipinos aspiring to work in Japan, he said.

"It is critical and crucial for Japan to build a conducive work environment for foreign workers who are not necessarily fluent in Japanese," he said.

"I believe Japan must transform its society to a multi-cultural one. It is a very big challenge for Japan, but it must be realized to attract more foreign workers," Koshikawa said.

Koshikawa wore a long-sleeve barong, the traditional Philippine native shirt, during the interview. He wears it at work and in Philippine official events and said the barong "reflects the tradition and cultures of the Philippines."

"I have, maybe, 10 long and short-sleeve barong made from cotton, piña and silk," Koshikawa said.

The strong ties between Japan and Philippines today is an incredible progress from the historical backdrop of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in World War II, he said.

"Despite the tremendous damage wrought by Japan during the second World War, almost 80 percent of Filipinos now say they trust Japan according to public polls. We are deeply grateful for the Filipino people's forgiveness and generosity," Koshikawa said.

"I believe that the strong trust has been nurtured through our active cooperation on various fields, such as security, economy and people to people exchanges," he said.

Asked what he wanted to be remembered for when he returns to Japan when his Philippine assignment ends, Koshiskawa said he wanted to be remembered as the Japanese ambassador who really treasured and enjoyed the Filipinos' fascination over "Voltes V."

He paused briefly and added with a wide smile that he also wanted to be remembered as "the Japanese ambassador, who wore the barong."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News