Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos visited the site of the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, Japan, where they were warmly received by Japanese officials led by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina, Osaka Vice-Governor Watanabe, and Osaka Mayor Yokoyama.
According to a media release from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Vice-Minister Ikuina welcomed the President on behalf of the Government of Japan and expressed appreciation for his early visit to the Expo, which follows his summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in April.
Ikuina relayed Prime Minister Ishiba’s message to President Marcos, expressing regret at being unable to welcome him personally in Osaka but reaffirming Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
In response, President Marcos extended his thanks to Prime Minister Ishiba and congratulated Japan on the successful preparations for the Expo. The President shared a personal memory from 55 years ago, recalling that his very first visit to Japan was for the 1970 Osaka Expo, when his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, represented the Philippines.
“I still clearly remember those days,” he said, noting how emotional it was to return decades later as the country’s leader. Marcos also praised the Philippine Pavilion, saying it reflected the growing closeness between the Filipino and Japanese people, particularly in business and cultural exchanges.
The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, underscoring the deepening partnership between the Philippines and Japan ahead of Expo 2025.
