On 15 May 2025, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya welcomed distinguished Japan Studies professors from the De La Salle University (DLSU) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) to his residence in Makati.
Among the invitees were DLSU’s Department of International Studies Professor Dr. Dennis Trinidad and Associate Professor Dr. Ron Bridget Vilog. From ADMU’s Japanese Studies Program, Assistant Professors Dr. Kristine Michelle L. Santos and Dr. Hiroko Nagai-Yabut attended the event.
During the meeting, Ambassador Endo conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Japanese studies professors, some of whom were also former Japanese government (MEXT) scholars and distinguished experts in their respective fields. He emphasized their important role in promoting friendship and mutual understanding, highlighting that cultural and people-to-people ties are important pillars to Japan-Philippines bilateral relationship.
Ambassador Endo and the professors exchanged insights on the current state of Japanese studies education and scholarly research in their universities. The invited guests were also treated to an authentic experience of Japanese tea ceremony.
