President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed on Saturday the enduring strength of Philippines-Japan relations during his address to the Filipino community, praising overseas Filipinos for playing a vital role in keeping the spirit of friendship between the two nations alive.
Speaking ahead of the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan in 2026, the President emphasized the historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries — ties that, he said, have matured into a dynamic and mutually respectful partnership.
“Our two peoples have a deep history, founded on the spirit of reconciliation, of brotherhood, and amity or friendship,” President Marcos said during a gathering with Filipinos in Osaka, held in conjunction with his working visit to the city for the World Expo 2025.
The President expressed gratitude to Filipinos living and working in Japan for being instrumental in strengthening people-to-people relations, especially among younger generations.
“I speak to all our kababayans, especially our youth, who play a part in our dynamic and enduring ties with Japan. Through you, we continue to write new pages in the history of the relations between our two countries. Through you, the spirit of friendship with our Japanese friends continues to thrive,” President Marcos added.
The Philippines and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1956. Since then, the two countries have developed deep economic, political, and cultural linkages, with Japan becoming one of the Philippines’ top trade partners, a significant source of development assistance, and a key strategic ally.
President Marcos noted that the upcoming milestone in 2026 presents an opportunity to celebrate this shared journey and to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, security, tourism, and education.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and members of his Cabinet, including Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio also joined the event. l PND
