Smiles and Hundreds of Filipinos Come Together in Gunma for Annual Sports Festival in Japan

More than 400 members of the Filipino community gathered in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, for the annual sports festival organized by Lord of the Harvest Global Ministries (LOTHGM)

Held on May 4, 2026, at Jonuma Arena, the event brought together families and church members from different parts of Japan, including Gunma, Saitama, Chiba and Tokyo. The sports festival was not only a day of games and activities, but also a celebration of friendship, unity and community among Filipinos living abroad. 

A day of fun and team spirit

Participants were divided into four teams, each showing creativity and energy during the opening parade presentation. Members proudly wore colorful outfits and introduced their teams before the games officially began. 

Throughout the day, participants joined different activities that encouraged teamwork and friendly competition. These included relay races, ball games and tug-of-war matches that entertained both children and adults. Families cheered for their teams while enjoying food, conversations and time together. 

For many attendees, the event was a chance to reconnect with friends and meet fellow Filipinos from other areas in Japan. 

Building community away from home

LOTHGM started in 1989 in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, as a small Bible study group founded by two Filipino women. What began as simple prayer gatherings in the workplace slowly grew into a larger spiritual community for Filipinos living in Japan. 

As more people joined, Rev. Jose Monty Izon began leading the ministry, helping it grow into a full church. Over the years, LOTHGM became known as the first Filipino church in Japan to own its own church building, an important milestone for the Filipino Christian community in the country. 

Today, the church continues to support overseas Filipinos, international students and Filipino-Japanese families by providing a welcoming space for worship, fellowship and personal growth. 

Smiles Mobile Remittance joins the celebration

Smiles Mobile Remittance energized the crowd by introducing its services and connecting with attendees during the event. Known as the “absolute no. 1” mobile remittance app in Japan, Smiles highlighted how it helps overseas Filipinos send money home quickly, safely and conveniently. 

Many attendees learned more about the app’s easy-to-use features and how it supports Filipinos managing finances while living abroad. 

Supporting Filipinos beyond remittance

The partnership between LOTHGM and Smiles Mobile Remittance reflects a shared goal of supporting Filipinos in Japan not only financially, but also through community connections and meaningful experiences. 

Events like the annual sports festival remind many overseas workers and families that even while living far from home, they can still find support, friendship and a strong sense of belonging in Japan.