President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on second- and third-generation Filipino youth in Japan to embrace their roots and deepen their connection with the Philippines by learning the Filipino language and understanding cultural heritage.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community in Osaka, President Marcos highlighted the vital role of Filipino-Japanese youth in sustaining the strong and evolving relationship between the Philippines and Japan, as both nations approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026.

“Allow me first to address our youth community, especially our Filipino Japanese youth, who may be more comfortable listening to this in English. But still, I encourage you to learn our language, Filipino,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of the next generation of Filipinos abroad as a vital link in preserving and nurturing Philippine culture overseas, as well as in fostering continued friendship between the two nations.

“We have every chance, through you, to build even stronger connections in shared values for a mutually stable, secure, and prosperous relationship between our two countries,” the President said.

“This is why I hope you will join me and the Philippine nation in helping our community here in Japan to grow even more in love with the Philippines, to learn and embrace fully your Filipino identity, to support our nation’s aspirations for unity, for peace, and for prosperity,” added the President.

President Marcos addressed the Filipino community as he concluded a four-day working visit to Osaka, Japan from June 19 to 22.

Accompanying the President during the Filipino community gathering were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio. | PND.