The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines recently co-hosted a high-level conference commemorating the 70 Years of Japan-Philippines Friendship at the Manila Pensinsula, organized by Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies.
In his message, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya highlighted key achievements in the two countries’ security cooperation, economic relations, and people-to-people exchange.
As 2026 marks the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Philippines Friendship, he noted the conference serves as “a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared future.”
Ambassador Endo also expressed optimism that the bonds of friendship and trust that Japan and the Philippines have woven together will continue to flourish for generations to come.
The conference brought together a roster of experts and stakeholders in Japan-Philippines relations and featured keynote lectures by Filipino, Japanese, and Vietnamese specialists, including senior government officials, prominent academics, think tank representatives, and private sector leaders.Â
During the discussions, the panelists provided a comprehensive analysis of the emerging trends, development, and strategic significance of security, economic development, and people-to-people exchange in Japan-Philippines ties.
Event guests included Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ADM Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Spokesperson RADM Jay Tarriela, Supreme Court of the Philippines Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Ateneo School of Government Professor of Praxis and Stratbase Institute RADM Rommel Jude Ong (Ret.), representatives from the national government, diplomatic corps, members of the academe, media, private sector, and civil society organizations.Â
