Japanese Ramon Magsaysay Award laureates honored at Tokyo event

The event, titled 'The Ramon Magsaysay Laureate Reunion,' was held at the International House of Japan in Tokyo's Minato Ward as part of the embassy's efforts to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, which fell in July.

Noting that the normalization was achieved during the presidency of the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, whose legacy inspired the creation of the award, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano said that the two countries now "enjoy friendship that President Magsaysay could perhaps only have imagined."

Established in 1957, the prestigious award recognizes individuals and organizations for their selfless service to people in Asia.

Among the attendees was ophthalmologist Tadashi Hattori, who was honored in 2022 for his dedication to training doctors and providing free eye surgeries in Vietnam.

Representatives and family members of 12 other laureates were also present, including the daughter of the late physician Tetsu Nakamura, a 2003 awardee who engaged in humanitarian aid projects in Afghanistan for decades.

During a panel discussion, participants including Hattori shared how their activities have evolved since receiving the award and how they view their mission going forward.

While acknowledging that the award helped raise awareness of his activities, Hattori said that it heightened his sense of responsibility to establish a system that would allow his work to continue even after he is no longer involved.

Hattori stressed that restoring a person's eyesight is not simply a medical procedure but a way of helping those living in darkness to "regain hope," adding that his work has continued unchanged since receiving the honor.

Citing Japan's longstanding links to the rest of Asia, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation President Susanna B. Afan said in her closing remarks that "Japan is such an important partner in building bridges," particularly in the areas of education, culture and service.

At the venue, the special exhibit highlighted the achievements of the 28 Japanese awardees and the reasons they received the award.

The event also featured the presentation of portraits to Hattori and to representatives and family members of other laureates.

This year's awardees, announced on August 31, include three individuals, among them Singaporean diplomat and scholar Tommy Koh, who was recognized for his leadership in international diplomacy.