The relationship between Japan and the Philippines has entered the “Golden Age,” said Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo, expressing his country’s commitment to further enhancing the already strong bilateral ties with the Philippines.
At the National Day Reception held in Manila on February 20, 2025, he said: “Japan-Philippine relations have entered what is known as the ‘Golden Age’—sustained by friendship and shared values.”
He highlighted the ongoing collaboration in various fields, including security and economy, and noted the promising start to the year with recent diplomatic visits, such as Foreign Minister Iwaya’s trip to Manila.
Ambassador Endo also emphasized the deepening of security cooperation, which includes the historic Japan-Philippines-U.S. Summit and the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). He expressed his hope that these developments would further strengthen Japan-Philippines security ties in the coming years.
The Ambassador also commended the Philippines’ robust economic growth, pointing to Japan’s continued support for critical infrastructure projects like the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, and flood control management initiatives.
He underscored Japan’s positive outlook on increasing bilateral investments and expanding trade in sectors such as retail, with notable brands like Uniqlo and Daiso leading the way.
Looking forward, Ambassador Endo expressed hopes of celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines in the coming year, marking another significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations.
