Your Filipino Community
in Japan Starts Here
The Association of Filipino Students in Japan unites students across Japan for academic growth, cultural celebration, and lifelong connections.
About AFSJ
Uniting Filipino Students Since 1954
AFSJ has brought Filipino students in Japan together since 1954. We help students and graduates achieve holistic excellence throughout their stay in Japan, so that they become a source of pride and inspiration to the Filipino people — through research, culture, and a community that keeps going long after graduation.
Academic Support
DUNONG, our research colloquium with the Philippine Embassy, and the HIRAYA lecture series give Filipino scholars a place to present their work and learn from each other.
Cultural Celebration
Salo-Salo, our once-a-year feast, and the Paghayo graduation ceremonies are where you get to speak Tagalog all afternoon, eat Filipino food and feel at home again.
Community & Alumni
Students and graduates from universities all over Japan, connected long after the degree finishes — for friendship, advice and the occasional favour.
Events
Signature Events & Gatherings
From academic colloquiums to cultural celebrations, AFSJ hosts events that bring our community together year-round.
DUNONG Colloquium
International Academic Colloquium
AFSJ's two-day research colloquium, hosted with the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. DUNONG 2026 drew roughly 937 registrants across Japan and the Philippines — 346 joining by Zoom and 47 in the room.
Paghayo sa Tagsibol
Spring Graduation Recognition
A heartfelt ceremony recognizing Filipino students who graduate in the spring semester. Celebrate academic milestones with the community.
Paghayo sa Taglagas
Fall Graduation Recognition
Autumn gathering to honor Filipino graduates completing their degrees. A tradition of pride and shared achievement.
Salo-Salo
The annual AFSJ feast
Once a year, students and alumni take over a Filipino restaurant in Tokyo for a buffet, Pinoy games and karaoke — an afternoon of speaking Tagalog after months of English and Japanese.
HIRAYA
AFSJ Lecture Series
Online lectures open to members wherever they are in Japan. The 2026 series opened in July with UP Open University, drawing over 100 scholars and practitioners to mark 70 years of Philippine–Japan relations.
Tawag ng Kantahan
Singing competition
A karaoke contest run with the Filipino scholars' groups at Tsukuba and Waseda — 26 singers from universities across Japan at the last one.
Shaberikai
Language exchange
An evening of Tagalog and Japanese over izakaya food, run with Tagalog majors from TUFS. Filipino students and their Japanese tomodachi, building bridges both ways.
Membership
Why Join AFSJ?
Being part of AFSJ means more than joining an organization — it means joining a family of Filipino students and scholars across Japan.
Connect with a 70+ year alumni network across Japan and the Philippines
Attend embassy-supported events and official gatherings
Access academic mentorship from senior Filipino scholars
Participate in cultural celebrations and social activities
Build career connections with Filipino professionals in Japan
Join a supportive community that feels like family away from home
Leadership
Meet the Executive Committee
The students behind AFSJ this year — elected by the membership to run its programmes, events and welfare work across Japan.
Kevin Brandon Saure
President and Head of External Affairs
Lianne Angelico Depante
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Maria Lourdes Braceros
Vice President for Internal Affairs and Executive Secretary
Princess Bernadette Estal
Vice President for Information and Communication
Andrei Joseph Policarpio
Vice President for Social and Cultural Affairs
Imee Camille Advincula
Vice President for Student Welfare
Mary Allyson Ty
Vice President for Marketing & Finance
Mairel Losaria
Deputy for Marketing & Finance
For AFSJ Members
Get your Digital Membership ID
Already an AFSJ member? Confirm your membership classification to receive your Digital Membership ID and unlock exclusive perks and partner discounts. You’ll need a recent half-body photo on a plain background.
Not a member yet? Reach out on Facebook or email execom.afsj@gmail.com.