BY AMBASSADOR KAZUYA ENDO — This year, exceptional exchanges have so far elevated the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship to greater heights of trust and closeness.
Grounded on a theme of “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” various deepening engagements continue to give this celebration a truly memorable form.
The month of July sits at the heart of this extraordinary commemoration. July 23 officially marks Japan-Philippines Friendship Day—the day our two nations normalized their diplomatic relations in 1956 and set the foundation for countless fruitful exchanges.
Although global headwinds have presented various challenges, relations of the two nations have not only weathered crosscurrents, but emerged with unprecedented momentum in cooperation.
Perhaps the most emblematic expression of this momentum is President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s momentous visit to Japan from May 26 to 29—the first state visit by a sitting Philippine president since 2015.
Amid wide-ranging discussions, Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Prime Minister Sanae TAKAICHI culminated in a “Joint Statement on the Elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”—making Japan the Philippines’ first “comprehensive strategic partner.”
More than a diplomatic designation, this milestone is a declaration of the depth and direction of our shared ambitions. It signals that Japan and the Philippines are ready to face the future as true partners, shoulder to shoulder.
It is against this backdrop of progress that the moment invites a broader reflection on our relations. As we navigate the latter half of this friendship year, we reexamine how recent months have brought us closer to the peace, prosperity, and possibilities envisioned by our celebration’s theme.
PEACE
One lesson from our decades-long friendship is clear: peace is the foundation upon which our shared prosperity was built, and from which new opportunities continue to emerge.
As a peace-loving nation, Japan stands unwaveringly with the Philippines in its commitment to uphold international law, to promote stability, and to advocate for the peaceful settlement of disputes. On the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, the Philippines remains a leading partner of upholding a rules-based maritime order and promoting an updated Free and Open Indo Pacific that was unveiled by Takaichi in Hanoi in May.
The anniversary is a timely reminder that the rule of law is not self-enforcing. Rather, it must be actively upheld by nations that believe in its power to protect the rights and dignity of all. Japan and the Philippines stand together in that belief.
Japan’s dedication to the region’s peace and stability is vividly expressed in the heightened bilateral security cooperation.
Through the Reciprocal Access Agreement or RAA, we witnessed the full participation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the Balikatan exercise for the first time in April—a significant step toward better interoperability and more seamless, coordinated humanitarian and disaster risk response.
Further to our shared efforts, Japan has provided coastal surveillance radars since the 2023 launch of the Official Security Assistance. Japan is also providing other defense equipment, such as rigid-hulled inflatable boats, boathouses, and slipways. The Philippines holds the distinction of being the only country to receive OSA for three consecutive years.
Recently, our two countries have exchanged diplomatic notes related to the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, enabling its entry into force on August 22, 2026. Negotiations on the protection of classified military information are also underway. These steps reflect our shared commitment to regional peace and move us steadily forward.
Japan’s commitment to the Mindanao peace process also remains unwavering. From supporting the digitalization of the forthcoming first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections and voter education initiatives, to expanding livelihood opportunities in conflict-affected communities, Japan continues to be a reliable partner for peace and development in Mindanao.
As the historic first BARMM Parliamentary Elections approach in September, Japan will remain a steadfast partner every step of the way in marking this new chapter toward lasting peace and self-governance in Mindanao.
PROSPERITY
Accompanying our gains for peace are opportunities for mutual economic growth. With Japan as a leading source of Official Development Assistance or ODA in the Philippines, our economic linkages offer the brightest glimpses into our countries’ relationship.
Our cooperation in infrastructure development has become a hallmark of our deepening ties. We continue to welcome progress on key programs such as the North-South Commuter Railway, Davao City Bypass, and Metro Manila Subway Project. Infrastructure projects that are vital investments in the daily lives of millions of Filipinos, and a testament to Japan’s long-term commitment to the Philippines’ development.
During Marcos Jr.s’ state visit, Japan further highlighted its support through the newly launched POWERR Asia initiative, or Partnership On Wide Energy and Resources Resilience. In light of global energy vulnerabilities, this timely partnership reinforces energy supply chains and the resilience of critical industries against further shocks. At a time when energy security has become inseparable from national security, POWERR Asia represents our resolve to ensure that the Philippines and the region can face an uncertain future from a position of strength.
A new double taxation convention was also signed during the visit. By establishing clearer tax rules and reducing barriers to capital flow, this agreement creates a more favorable environment for Japanese companies to invest and grow in the country. Around 1,600 Japanese companies operate in the country, placing Japan among the Philippines’ most important trade and investment partners.
POSSIBILITIES
The true value of our friendship lies in what we have already achieved and in the many possibilities that still await us.
In terms of cultural exchange, the recent Stella Dance Jam collaboration featuring RIEHATA, SB19, and young dancers from Japan and the Philippines highlighted the incredible potential of our youth exchanges. The New Japan Philharmonic’s historic debut in Manila also brought our people together through a shared love for classical and orchestral artistry.
Having enjoyed these moving showcases alongside both Filipino and Japanese friends, we witnessed the forging of friendships that may last generations through the universal language of culture, dance, and music. These moments remind us that the strongest bonds between nations are ultimately fostered in the hearts of the people who share them.
We are also expanding our horizons in other various sectors. We can explore pioneering cooperation in fields like artificial intelligence or AI, digital technology, critical minerals, and space. The very breadth of these opportunities demonstrate that only when two nations trust each other as deeply as Japan and the Philippines do, then the possibilities become truly limitless.
Keeping our relationship deeply attuned to the shifting face of the future, Japan continues to promote wide-ranging cooperation and close partnership with Asean, especially with the Philippines; leadership as chair this year. During his courtesy call on the president, Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu MOTEGI reiterated our commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the Philippines and to promoting closer coordination alongside other regional partners at the Asean-related meetings held in Manila. On July 23, coinciding with Japan-Philippines Friendship Day, Motegi met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa P. Lazaro for the Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where they reaffirmed our two countries’ commitment to further strengthening our cooperation. This timing reflects the priority both governments place on our relationship, proving that our partnership remains as vital and as active as ever.
WEAVING THE FUTURE
While we embrace the promise of the present and the future, we remain deeply conscious of the journey that made both possible.
I believe President Marcos Jr.’s recent remarks in his address to Japan’s National Diet capture this sentiment perfectly: “After the war, President Elpidio Quirino chose the path of reconciliation, guided by the belief that after all, destiny has made us neighbors.”
This remarkable spirit is cherished by the Japanese people and will continue to inspire future generations. We will walk this path together, committed to making our friendship a cornerstone of peace and prosperity, and an enduring source of possibilities not only for our peoples, but for the broader region we call home.
Seventy years ago, our two nations chose friendship over grievance, and the future over the past. As we mark this milestone year, let us honor that choice by choosing, once again, to weave the future together with courage, trust, and an unshakeable belief in the promise of what lies ahead.
May this year of friendship carry our two nations toward the brightest promise of our shared future.
