The partnership between Japan and the Philippines has flourished over the years, marked by strengthened diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. As the two countries look forward to further cooperation, Ambassador Endo Kazuya discusses the current state of Japan-Philippines relations and the prospects for the future.
Bridges: Under your leadership, how do you see Japan-Philippines relations evolving, particularly in the areas of diplomacy, security, and economic cooperation?
Endo Kazuya: In recent years, Japan-Philippines relations have made remarkable progress in various areas such as security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges. Breaking new grounds in cooperation, Japan-Philippine relations have entered their Golden Age with renewed closeness. Our ties have grown from strength to strength, strategically embracing realities toward mutual prosperity. Since my arrival as Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines in March 2024, I witnessed many achievements in our vibrant Japan- Philippines relations, which I will try to elaborate.
Let me first touch upon our high-level visits. During the 2+2 meeting last July 2024, both the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister visited the Philippines together. Additionally, in December last year, then National Security Advisor AKIBA Takeo visited, followed by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi in January of this year, Defense Minister NAKATANI Gen in February, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism NAKANO Hiromasa in April.
Breaking new grounds in cooperation, Japan-Philippine relations have entered their Golden Age with renewed closeness.
Endo Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines
Notably, just this April 29 to 30, Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, Spouse of the Prime Minister, also made their first official visit to the Philippines. During his visit, Japan and the Philippines acknowledged the steady advancements towards the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which was signed at the 2+2 meeting just one year ago. To bolster operational collaboration, Prime Minister ISHIBA and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also agreed to commence negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). Moreover, the two leaders confirmed the importance of the early conclusion of an Agreement on the Security of Information promptly and agreed to facilitate discussions among governments. With these agreements, interoperability and cooperative activities will be greatly enhanced and expanded.
Alongside these advancements, we will continue to promote multilayered cooperation in the areas of Official Security Assistance (OSA) and defense equipment and technology, as well as deepening cooperation in maritime safety through base development, capacity improvement support, and joint training between Japan, the Philippines and the U.S.
The Philippines is the first recipient of our OSA scheme and only country to have been granted OSA funding for two consecutive years. Through this scheme, Japan has steadily supported the Philippines with military and defense equipment transfers to the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Air Force (PAF). Further, since April last year, Japan has continuously participated in the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with other like-minded countries, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This multilateral initiative represents our ongoing commitment to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region, while also addressing the evolving security landscape. I firmly believe that these security cooperations are instrumental in our strategic and collective efforts to safeguard regional peace and stability and uphold the international order based on the rule of law.
Our in-depth cooperation is also noteworthy in the economic sphere. Japan is committed to leveraging its strengths and experience to support in elevating the Philippines to an upper-middle-income status. The summit meeting marked a leap forward in economic collaboration, underscoring our commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure via submarine cable projects and 5G network development using Open RAN trials. In energy, we’re expanding LNG facilities in the Philippines and collaborating on decarbonization effort under the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) to build a resilient energy supply chain, while recognizing the necessity of a stable business environment for projects, including those involving mineral resources like nickel. Additionally, we’re strengthening disaster management systems and agricultural cooperation to boost resilience and productivity. These efforts highlight our commitment to fostering economic growth and stability in the Philippines.
Japan is committed to leveraging its strengths and experience to support in elevating the Philippines to an upper-middle-income status.
Prime Minister Ishiba also engaged in discussions with President Marcos on the current global economic environment, taking into account the impact of the US tariff measures and China’s retaliatory actions on the global economy and the multilateral trading system.
As a strategic partner, Japan is and has been committed to fostering economic growth and stability in the Philippines. Since 1968, Japan has been a steady economic partner of the Philippines, supporting numerous developmental sectors across the country. Building on this strong foundation, Japan and the Philippines have greatly bolstered our economic cooperation in the past year, with significant developments in the Philippines’ major infrastructure projects such as the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, and the Davao City Bypass Construction Project. Recently, I also signed diplomatic notes for yen loans for critical infrastructure, climate change efforts, and health initiatives for a total of 65 billion peso in March. I joined the 15th Meeting of the Japan-Philippines High-Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation in Manila in the same month. We confirmed our close communication through key agencies and ministries in support of the Philippines’ regional development and to further promote Japan-Philippines economic cooperation.
As a strategic partner, Japan is and has been committed to fostering economic growth and stability in the Philippines.
Japan has also steadily supported the peace process in the Bangsamoro region through capacity-building of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, supporting the transformation of the communities of former combatants into progressive and resilient communities, and socio-economic development assistance. We also eagerly anticipate their first parliamentary election this year, welcoming this as a significant step towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the region.
Of course, we put emphasis on cooperation with the U.S., our respective ally. Soon after I arrived in Manila, April last year saw our historic trilateral summit, which laid a firm foundation for our recent collaborations among the three nations. We have already made subsequent developments to strengthen our cooperation with the Philippines and the US in various fields. Japan and the Philippines are committed to further enhancing the trilateral cooperation with the U.S.
Japan and the Philippines are committed to further enhancing the trilateral cooperation with the U.S.
Japan remains one of the largest foreign investors in the Philippines. Which sectors do you see as the most promising for future Japanese investment?
In recent years, Japanese companies have shown a growing interest in expanding their investments in the Philippines. The CREATE MORE Act, which took effect in November last year, has added the Philippines’ attractive incentives for investment. I hope that they will make this country a competitive destination for exporting companies and businesses. Through this tax reform law, we are anticipating an increased number of Japanese investments to steadily grow in the Philippines in the medium to long term period.
In recent years, Japanese companies have shown a growing interest in expanding their investments in the Philippines.
Infrastructure development is a sector with significant opportunities. Many Japanese companies have already engaged in investing in the construction of energy facilities and their operation, including LNG terminals and various renewable energies. Japanese companies have also engaged in the maintenance and operation of the Philippine’s urban transportation, such as LRT-1 and MRT-3. We are hoping that our joint ventures in this sector will result in invaluable economic growth and benefits through enhanced connectivity.
Another area with strong potential growth for investment is the retail industry supporting the steady growth of the Philippine economy and consumer spending. Many Japanese retail brands, such as UNIQLO, MUJI and DAISO, have established a strong presence across the country. A few weeks after my arrival in Manila, I also had the opportunity to join the opening ceremony of NITORI, which marked my first attendance to an event hosted by a Japanese company in the Philippines.
In December of last year, fresh Japanese strawberries became available in the Philippines following successful and comprehensive discussions between the authorities of our two governments. In March, I was also delighted to personally visit the shops and stalls showcasing a selection of strawberry products and its deserts at Mitsukoshi Mall, BGC. I am looking forward to seeing many more Filipinos enjoying the quality and sweet flavor of this fruit.
What are the key areas where Japan and the Philippines can cooperate more closely in ASEAN and global trade networks?
Japan has been a leading partner of ASEAN for over the past half century, fostering cooperation for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in this region. Japan shares the principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and we want to create and protect the future together with ASEAN, which is a growth center of the world.
Japan shares the principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and we want to create and protect the future together with ASEAN, which is a growth center of the world.
Maritime security is a common area where Japan and the Philippines will continue to work together. The security environment in the Indo-Pacific region is becoming increasingly severe due to growing uncertainties in the international community. Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion cannot be tolerated anywhere in the world.
The first FTA for the Philippines was the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) concluded in 2008. Both the Philippines and Japan have also been actively engaged in multilateral trading systems. We will also cooperate for our economic security, including the safety of our critical infrastructure such as information and telecommunication networks.
In 2026, the Philippines will assume the chairmanship of ASEAN. Recognizing the golden age of friendship between Japan and the Philippines, we are committed to further enhancing and developing our relationship. Japan will continue to provide maximum support to the Philippines in various forms, ensuring that ASEAN, as a pivotal institution in the Indo-Pacific, can work in unity and play a central role in the region.
Recognizing the golden age of friendship between Japan and the Philippines, we are committed to further enhancing and developing our relationship.
How can Expo 2025 Osaka serve as a catalyst for deeper business and investment ties between Japan and the Philippines?
The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will be held from 13 April to 13 October 2025. The theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” aims to bring people together to explore innovative solutions addressing common challenges that will save, empower, and connect lives.
With over a hundred participating countries, regions, and international organizations, the Expo creates a space for deepening international business linkages and partnerships. I am also pleased to share that the Philippines has been exhibiting the beauty of Filipino culture, heritage, and biodiversity through the Philippines Pavilion. In fact, on June 7, the Philippines will hold its designated “National Day” at the Expo 2025 in Osaka as one of the official participants. I hope this Expo will pave the way for enhanced partnerships between our two countries.
Philippines has been exhibiting the beauty of Filipino culture, heritage, and biodiversity through the Philippines Pavilion.
Deeper business and investment ties would not be possible without our robust people-to-people exchange. As we all come together in one place, the Expo facilitates new connections and meaningful interactions for sustained economic ties. Under the theme of “life,” immersive experiences will allow our people to develop appreciation, building interpersonal relationships among leaders and, most especially, our youth. By strengthening the foundations of our people-to-people exchange, we encourage stronger bonds to overcome global challenges to achieve our shared vision of a prosperous future.
From promoting special products for new consumers and business markets to connecting investors with one another, businesses from both Japan and the Philippines have multiple avenues to discover complementary specialties. Overall, I am optimistic that by showcasing our economic potential and ways to achieve a sustainable future, we will foster an environment that will attract collaborations in the years ahead.
Japan and the Philippines have built a strong and enduring partnership over the years. What are some of the most exciting new opportunities for collaboration that could further elevate our economic and diplomatic ties in the coming decade?
In addition to security and economic cooperation, Japan greatly values people-to-people exchanges with the Philippines. We are grateful for the many Filipinos who have chosen Japan as their travel destination. In the previous year, a record-high of more than 800,000 Filipinos visited Japan. Last April, the Embassy also opened the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) operated by VFS Service Philippines, Inc. Through JVAC, we hope to ensure that we continue to provide efficient services to Filipino travellers who wish to visit Japan and experience its many wonders.
Japan greatly values people-to-people exchanges with the Philippines. We are grateful for the many Filipinos who have chosen Japan as their travel destination.
Next year, we will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations. We have begun discussions with the private sector and other stakeholders regarding potential projects we can organize for the year 2026. We sincerely hope this occasion will serve as an opportunity to further the development of our bilateral relations.
