The Embassy of Japan formally opened the 70th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Friendship on 20 January 2026 with a jazz concert and reception held at the Proscenium Theater in Makati City. The event, titled “Harmony of Friendship: A Jazz Prelude to 70 Years of Japan–Philippine Ties,” was organized in partnership with the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI).
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya led the opening reception, followed by a toast delivered by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega.
The event was attended by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, Supreme Cory Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, and other government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo cited key milestones in Japan–Philippines relations, including cooperation in economic development and people-to-people exchanges. He referred to these developments as contributing factors to the two countries’ long-standing partnership since the resumption of diplomatic relations in 1956.
Ambassador Endo, together with Japan Airlines Philippines Regional Office General Manager Funabashi Takayuki, also recognized Edmon Fuerte as the designer of the official logo commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Friendship.
The event concluded with a jazz concert by the Tokyo–Manila Jazz & Arts Festival Group, featuring Japan-based Filipina jazz singer Charito, pianist Yuki Arimasa, bassist Satsuki Kusui, and drummer Hiroki Kitazawa. The A.M.P. Big Band participated as a special guest performer.