The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines recently recognized Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri in a reception, citing his long-running role in deepening Manila and Tokyo’s partnership, particularly as the relationship has grown more consequential for trade, security, and day-to-day exchanges between Filipinos and the Japanese.
The gathering celebrated the conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on Zubiri, an honor that was personally conferred on him by Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in November 2025. It is the highest honor the Government of Japan awards to foreign nationals.
“This has truly been one of the greatest achievements of my public service career,” Zubiri said in his speech.
Hosting the reception was Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, who noted that Zubiri has made “outstanding contributions to the promotion and advancement of Japan-Philippines relations.”
“As Senate President and as President of the Philippine-Japan Parliamentarians Association, Sen. Zubiri led with consistency in fostering closer ties between our legislatures,” he added.
The ambassador also lauded Zubiri’s role in realizing key legislative measures and agreements between the two countries, such as the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, the CREATE MORE Act, and the Reciprocal Access Agreement.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, a previous recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, led the toast. He praised Zubiri’s active pursuit of stronger parliamentary ties, noting that it was upon his initiative that the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives came together in a historic joint session to hear an address from then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2023.
For his part, Zubiri acknowledged Japan as “our best friend and ally in all aspects; from security and defense, to trade and industry, to culture and tourism.”
“I carry the Grand Cordon with great honor and humility, and I remain committed to strengthening the ties between our countries, as strategic allies and economic partners securing a future of peace, harmony, and progress, not just for the Philippines and Japan, but for the entire region,” the senator said.
Joining the reception for Zubiri were Senators Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Mark Villar, Camille Villar, as well as former Senate Presidents Franklin Drilon and Aquilino Pimentel III, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Makati Mayor Nancy Binay and former Senator Grace Poe. Also present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro and former Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.
From the diplomatic corps, Ambassador Endo and his spouse Endo Akiko, were joined by United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, European Union Delegation Ambassador Massimo Santoro, Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, and German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke.
Zubiri was joined by his family as well as friends in the private sector, including executives from leading Japanese investors in the country.
