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Envoy's residence in Japan becomes PHL's 1st overseas historical landmark
The official residence of the Philippine Ambassador to Japan is now a national historical landmark, following the unveiling of a historical marker there on Monday.
“This is a historic and momentous occasion that honors the history and national patrimony of the Philippines,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez during the ceremony.
Ambassador Manuel Lopez and NHCP Chair Maria Serena Diokno unveil the historical marker at the property’s entrance, assisted by (L-R) Philippine-Japan Society President Francis Laurel and former Ambassador Jose Macario Laurel IV. Photo from DFA/Mr. Mark Akim
The property is located in Tokyo’s central Chiyoda ward.
The unveiling completes the Official Residence’s elevation into a “National Historical Landmark” pursuant to Resolution No. 01, Series 2013 adopted by the NHCP on March 11 last year.
The unveiling ceremony was witnessed by officials of the Philippine Embassy and the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Guests included former NHCP chair Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo and the Laurel family, represented by current Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. president and director Francis C. Laurel and former Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Jose Macario Laurel IV.
Located within a 4,500-square meter property of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Iberian-style residence was first built in 1934 by the family of the prominent businessman Baron Zenjiro Yasuda, whose descendants include the international artist Ms. Yoko Ono.
On March 31, 1944, then-President Jose P. Laurel purchased the property for the Philippine government. In succeeding years, the Kudan – as the residence is also referred to on account of its location near the Kudanzaka hilltop – became both the official home in Tokyo of Philippine Ambassadors to Japan, and a central venue for the conduct of Philippine diplomacy and cultural promotion, functions it continues to vitally serve to this day.
“Kudan is the crown jewel of the Philippine Foreign Service, and we should preserve this important part of our diplomatic legacy and heritage,” Lopez said.
With the adoption of the NCHP resolution, Kudan became the first and so far only officially-designated Philippine national historical landmark outside of the country. — KBK, GMA News
