MANILA, Philippines — Even during online video conferences, Japanese civility was evident in how the Japanese defense minister arranged Philippine items on his table during a meeting with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Japan’s defense minister showed off the country’s hospitality during an internet videoconference with Lorenzana by adorning his table with Philippine fruits like mangoes and bananas.
A scale model of a jeepney also sits on Kishi’s desk. The jeepney is the typical form of transportation for the Filipino people.
Lorenzana said he couldn’t help but notice the Japanese’s politeness, which is a well-known feature of Japanese society.
“During my meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice how the Japanese express their respect and courteousness, even online,” Lorenzana said.
“As you can see, they took the time and effort to decorate the minister’s desk with symbolic Filipino items. Nakakatuwang tingnan,” he added.
Lorenzana concluded by thanking the Japanese official for his time and expressing his excitement about future initiatives between the two countries.
“Thank you, Defense Minister Kishi, for your time, and I look forward to the upcoming activities and projects between our two countries,” Lorenzana said.