Singer Yolanda Tasico leads a celebration at the Multicultural One Family Festival 2025 held in Japan.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Japan’s annual festival celebrating diverse cultures in Japan reached a milestone in 2025, as this year’s Multicultural One Family Festival marked the 10th anniversary of its inception. The embassies of Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Serbia, and Uzbekistan; the Ethics Associations of Meguro and Chuo Wards; and Studec International, an Asia-based education consultancy dedicated to transforming potential into global impact, offered support while Kansha, a hydrogen supplement company, helped sponsor the two-day festival, which commenced on November 15.

The kickoff featured performances by longtime supporting artists of GPF Japan, Yolanda Tasico and Takeshi Chiyozono, a Philippine Enka singer and Japanese drummer, respectively. In addition, the night showcased the premiere of Hana’s Santa: A Christmas Miracle, the first film directed by 2019 Global Peace Award laureate Hideo Kawabata. Its cast—which included television personality Ousame Sankhon and his wife Mitsuki Katayama; Japanese soccer legend Yasuhiko Okudera; and retired Dutch kickboxer Peter Aerts—all came in smiles with their support for the festival. Philippine Dance Fitness (PDF), a dance and exercise group led by Hannie and DJ Bonta, dressed up and performed in Santa outfits as a collaboration with the premiere, hyping the participants into a festive mood in anticipation of the following day.

Participants from all backgrounds at the Multicultural One Family Festival 2025.

“Embracing the World with Love” was this year’s theme, and that love could already be felt long before doors opened to welcome the guests, who were definitely in for a treat. Before giving way, however, special remarks were made by Organizing Committee Chair Kazuhiro Handa, GPF Japan Representative Director Aya Goto, Keiko Kobayashi, the chair of the JUN AI World Peace Foundation, and Ardiansa Rachmawan of Studec International, who congratulated and appreciated all those involved throughout the festival’s 10-year existence.

Mieko Yamazaki, a singer of Japanese and Chinese descent; @howaitogumi, a group promoting Showa-era anime songs; and Projeto Música sem Fronteiras, a music mentoring group for children of Brazilian and Peruvian roots, shared performances of pop, retro, and percussion music before Shishu Shilpi Academy (Bangladesh), Keiichi Sato and Atsushi Irimagawa (Pakistan), Group Patujú (Bolivia), and Persian Seda (Iran) brought a folk and traditional flavor to the mix.

The previous night’s groove machine, PDF, then delivered a powerful performance, setting the tone for an energetic evening, just as the one that came before. The World Dance Festival (China & Japan), Nusantara Indonesia Culture Group & Bali Bagus (Indonesia), and Bon Soir (Japan) had the audience on their feet, with many joining them on stage in dance.

An interview at the Multicultural One Family Festival.

Sprinkled throughout the festival were interviews with representatives from selected countries conducted by Steward Goenardy, a postgraduate student from Indonesia, and Nancy Tada, an English and Portuguese teacher. The diverse group of interviewees shared their traditions, customs, and histories, contributing to a greater respect and awareness of different cultures. Furthermore, many in the audience did not leave empty-handed, as the multicultural raffle had them departing with a sense of excitement and a variety of prizes from around the world.

A mini-fashion show was even held by Team Nadeshiko (Japan), who also displayed their award-winning kimono concept, blending tradition with modernity, as one of the exhibits. Others included: Waki AiAi Kimono Salon: Junkonomi (Japanese kimonos); Enishi, a charity for donating clothes; Aozora, an NPO supporting children of different cultures; Kansha; and Studec International.

The variety of cuisine had ethnic lovers salivating with food from Art Himalaya (Nepal), Ate Moringa (moringa food), Barraca do Brasil (Brazil), Iwab (Pakistan), Mari An (Chinese tea), Misook’s Table (South Korea), Patujú (Bolivia), Persian Bazaar (Iran), Rak Thai (Thai), Selera Nusantara (Indonesia), and Tasico’s Music Office (the Philippines). A kids’ corner was set up to create a family-friendly environment, where children enjoyed a ball pool, a fishing game, a ring toss, and balloons by balloon artist Neji Neji Party.

One Universe, a collaboration of traditional Japanese and Korean drumming by Chiyozono and Kim Yong-geum, delivered a thunderous performance before Kyogen master Juro Zenchiku demonstrated how genuine smiles and laughter can uplift any setting. Tasico then took the stage one final time with the band Oops;)!!, delivering a finale bursting with peace, love, and happiness, leaving everyone eager to celebrate One Family again next year.

One Universe, a collaboration of traditional Japanese and Korean drumming by Chiyozono and Kim Yong-geum.