Omocha: Japanese Toys Today Exhibit Coming to Iloilo. The Japan Foundation, Manila is bringing its travelling exhibition to Iloilo. Omocha: Japanese Toys Today will be coming to the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art from June 27 to July 26, 2026. This is after its successful run at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, BGC from May 6 to 31, 2026.
The exhibition offers a wide-ranging introduction to toys (“Omocha” in Japanese), from the history of toys cherished across generations, to the latest toys, infused with modern technologies and ideas. Toys, which emerged in the context of popular culture during the Edo period, were originally created as objects to pray for the healthy growth of children. Over the years, they have evolved in various ways, coming to serve not only as a fun way for children and adults to play together, but also as tools for learning and development. Being a source of play for adults as well-becoming multi-faceted items, they too play an important role in different settings across many people’s lives.
Beloved toy icons such as Gundam, Transformers, Pokemon, Chiikawa, Sylvanian Families, Hello Kitty and many more are sure to ignite a sense of nostalgia and a love for play with visitors across generations. Guests may also look forward to interactive areas in the exhibition, as well as public programs. Admission is free to both the exhibition and side events!
The exhibit will be on the 2F Galleries 1 and 2 of Casa de Emperador at Festive Walk Parade, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo. Open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10AM to 6PM from June 27 to July 26, 2026.
The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) is the first museum in the Visayas region dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It aims to enrich the community life of Iloilo province by way of exhibitions and outreach programs. ILOMOCA is envisioned as a site where ideas are constructed and engaged through art. By activating the transformative potentials of exhibitions and public programs, the museum presents art as a means and a method by which dialogues about social life can unfold.
ILOMOCA is located at the Casa Emperador Building, in the heart of the Iloilo Business Park Township. It has an approximate area of 3000 square meters comprising three floors of five exhibition rooms, a theatre facility, and a souvenir shop. The development of the museum was initiated by Megaworld Corporation through Megaworld Foundation. ILOMOCA seeks to be a regional venue for the inclusive experience and study of art.
Under the theme of the 2026 Japan–Philippines Friendship Year, “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities,” the event will bring a world-class stage to audiences through dynamic dance performances featuring artists from both Japan and the Philippines. It is also hoped that this project will serve as an opportunity to further deepen affinity toward Japan among a wide range of generations in the Philippines.
This project will be implemented as part of the Next Generation Co-Creation Partnership – WA 2.0, a comprehensive people-to-people exchange initiative aimed at promoting exchanges and fostering the next generation of leaders between Japan and ASEAN.
