In honor of the 70th anniversary of the normalized Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations, academics and guests reflected and affirmed the shared prosperity presently lived upon by both states.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines Endo Kazuya expressed his confidence about the future landscape of PH-Japan relations, accentuating youth involvement as key to sustaining this lasting “friendship.”
“For the future of our bilateral relations, Japan and the Philippines working together for the peace and stability in the region… In order to sustain this enduring friendship, I have to count on the future generation to continue and further deepen our cooperations in all fields, including the academics, private businesses, and other public government-related engagements..”
Kazuya also detailed Japan’s ongoing support for the Philippines, particularly in the peace process for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“One growing area of our cooperation is the security, maintenance of the regional… structure of this region. It’s very important for the like-minded partners like the Philippines and Japan to work together in order to maintain the peace and stability in the region…”
With BARMM’s parliamentary elections approaching in September 2026, he further assured Japan’s commitment with the region even after the conclusion of its parliamentary elections.
“… Japan will continue to be a steadfast partner to the socioeconomic development particularly BARMM region, even after the election…with the parliamentary members and the national government. As the peace process goes well, I think there will be further increase of foreign tourists, investment in other regions of Mindanao as well.”
The Japanese Ambassador also addressed the administrative hurdles delaying immediate conduct of their support to the Philippines’ infrastructure development.
“We also have to go through various administrative procedures—approval processes, securing budgets, etc., on the side of the Philippine government as well… [which sometimes] take time… The budget-making process in this country, to be frank, is quite complicated; and in order to smoothly implement those infrastructure projects, we also have to ask the Philippine government to secure counterpart money.”
He, however, guaranteed that efforts are being undertaken to “accelerate the implementations,” primarily through close coordination with the national government.
“With the support of Philippine government colleagues, with the support of the Congress, I think we’ve been making efforts on how to overcome any of those challenges. The important thing for us is to continue to work together on the basis of mutual understanding and trust and the shared commitment.”
Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, mirrored Kazuya’s statements, emphasizing the essence of bilateral efforts anchored with shared understanding, especially in Mindanao.
“Here in Mindanao, where the work of peace and development continues, takes on particular importance– dialogue, partnerships, sustained collaboration– they remain essential; not only among communities within our region but also with partners beyond our borders… The relationship between the Philippines and Japan offers a wonderful example of how nations can move forward together through shared purpose and continuing dialogue.”
With the theme, “Weaving the future together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” Ambassador Kazuya’s talk covered Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations, particularly on economic relations, education and youth exchange programs, and cultural events; Japan-Davao relations, and Japan-Mindanao relations.
The event titled “Philippines and Japan at 70: A Long-Lasting Perspective Partnership,” occurred at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium on April 17, 2026.