Embassy of Japan in the Philippines 在フィリピン日本国大使館

Ambassador ENDO Kazuya attends Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) graduation ceremony

On 3 June 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya attended the graduation ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP).

MAAP is a maritime academy established with the support of the Japanese Seafarers' Union (JSU) and the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), an organization representing employers of foreign seafarers in Japan, with the aim of training ship officers, including deck and engineering officers, for the Japanese merchant fleet.

In his speech to the graduates, Ambassador Endo said "I firmly believe that each and every one of you will become a bridge between Japan and the Philippines, and strengthen the bonds and partnership between our two countries for many years to come, as you work alongside your Japanese colleagues in Japanese ports and navigate the seas of the world together."

He also expressed the Japanese Government’s continued commitment to contributing to the development of the Philippine maritime industry.

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遠藤大使が海事学校の卒業式に出席

6月3日、遠藤大使はアジア太平洋海事アカデミー（Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific （MAAP））の卒業式に出席しました。

MAAPは全日本海員組合（JSU）と日本の外国人船員雇用者団体である国際船員労務協会（IMMAJ）が支援し設立された海事学校で、日本商船隊向けの船舶職員（航海士、機関士）の育成を目的としています。

遠藤大使は卒業生への祝辞の中で、「日本の同僚と共に日本の港で働き、世界の海を共に航海することで、皆さん一人ひとりが日本とフィリピンの架け橋となり、今後何年にもわたって両国の絆とパートナーシップを強化すると固く信じている」旨を述べました。

日本政府としても海事産業の発展に引き続き貢献して参ります。

Strengthening maritime friendship and cooperation in Davao

From 30 May to 1 June 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JS IKAZUCHI conducted a goodwill port call at the Port of Davao, reaffirming the enduring friendship and growing partnership between Japan and the Philippines.

During the visit of JS IKAZUCHI, its personnel paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) Commodore Ireneo D. Battung PN, underscoring the close cooperation between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy (PN) in promoting regional stability and maritime security.

The ship also welcomed approximately 50 Japanese residents in Davao aboard for a special tour. This provided the residents with an opportunity to strengthen their ties with the local Japanese community and deepen people-to-people connections.

On 30 May, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte visited JS IKAZUCHI, and toured the vessel to extend his warm welcome to its officers and crew.

Capping the visit, JS IKAZUCHI joined the PN’s BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) in a goodwill exercise off the coast of Davao on 1 June. The exercise reflected the strong spirit of cooperation, trust, and friendship that continues to characterize Japan-Philippines relations.

Japan remains committed to working closely with the Philippines to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, strengthen maritime cooperation, and foster lasting ties between our peoples.

⏰ The clock is ticking, Filipino Manga Artists! 🇵🇭✍️

If you’ve been putting off your entry for the 20th Japan International Manga Awards, this is your sign to send it in! Applications are still open, but the deadline is rapidly approaching on June 30, 2026. ⏳

Outstanding works will have the chance to receive:
🏆 Gold, Silver, or Bronze honors
📜 Special Encouragement award
✈️ An incredible 7-day trip to Japan for the official awarding ceremonies (for Gold and Silver winners, one representative only in the case of collaborative work)

Get all the details and application procedures here:
📍20th Japan International Manga Awards (Official Website): https://www.manga-award.mofa.go.jp/.../appl.../20/index.html
📍Japan International Manga Awards (Official page): https://www.facebook.com/manga.award

For inquiries, please call the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines at 8551-5710 local 2311 or email [email protected]

Japan commits PHP134 million for scholarship project 🎓✍️

On 28 May 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya and Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro signed an Exchange of Notes (E/N) for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) during the State Visit of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr to Japan. (https://www.mofa.go.jp/s_sa/sea2/ph/pageite_000001_00012.html)

The grant, amounting to JPY 356 million (approximately PHP 134 million*), will support the master’s degree program and doctoral degree program of 19 young Filipino government officers for the 2027 to –2028 academic year at leading universities in Japan. 📚🏫

The JDS reflects Japan’s continuing support for the Philippines’ human resource development initiatives, helping Filipino professionals strengthen their expertise and contribute further to national development. Since 2002, Japan has supported a total of 479 JDS Fellows from the Philippines. 🇯🇵🤝 🇵🇭

Visit the following links below to know more about the JDS program:

JDS Philippines
https://jds-scholarship.org/country/philippines/index.html

Japan International Cooperation Agency
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/activities/schemes/grant_aid/types_jds.html

*From BSP: PHP-JPY Exchange Rate = .3784 (April 2026 Average)

Japan and the Philippines sign a Joint Statement on AI 🤖💻

On 28 May 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan and the Department of Information and Communications Technology - DICT of the Philippines signed a “Joint Statement of Intent on Building Cooperation in the AI field” during the first State Visit of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to Japan. ✍️

The Joint Statement will strengthen the collaboration between the MIC and DICT by identifying specific areas of cooperation. This includes developing AI models reflecting local languages and cultures, advancement of the AI robotics industry, co-creation of AI solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, and human resource development and capacity building. 🇯🇵🤝🇵🇭

Visit the following link for more information:
https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_02261.html

: Weaving together stronger 🇯🇵🤝🇵🇭 relations

From 26 to 29 May 2026, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos visited Japan as State Guests upon the invitation of the Government of Japan.

During his visit, President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Araneta-Marcos were received by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress for a Welcome Ceremony, State Call, and State Banquet at the Imperial Palace. They were also awarded with the highest honors, with President Marcos Jr. receiving the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, and First Lady Araneta-Marcos receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.

President Marcos Jr. also delivered his speech before the National Diet of Japan. He then met with Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae to discuss Japan-Philippines cooperation on security, economy, energy resilience, and future-oriented sectors. With this visit in the year to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship, the two countries also agreed to elevate their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a first for the Philippines.



Photos courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office

: Signing of the New Tax Convention between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines

On May 28, “Convention between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance” was signed in Tokyo by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, in the presence of Prime Minister of Japan TAKAICHI Sanae and President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Read the full release below:

Signing of the New Tax Convention between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines Japan-Philippines Relations Signing of the New Tax Convention between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines Post e-mail May 28, 2026 Japanese On May 28, “Convention between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the ...

: First Lady Araneta-Marcos and Madame ENDO visit the Yamatane Museum of Art 🖼️🎨

During the State Visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos to Japan, the First Lady and Madame ENDO Akiko toured the Yamatane Museum of Art in Tokyo, appreciating a collection of “Nihonga,” a distinct style of Japanese paintings.

Take one step closer to your journey with this FREE online information session! 🎌✈️

The Fast Retailing Foundation (FRF) will be holding FREE online information sessions on the FRF Scholarship Program with some of Japan’s leading universities. 📚🎓

With presentations on the scholarship and undergraduate programs of various Japanese universities, prospective Filipino undergraduate sessions can gain the insights they need to jumpstart their next academic adventure in Japan. 🇯🇵🏫

📍 Day 1:
📆 Date: 24 June 2026 (Wednesday)
🕖 Time: 17:00-19:00 Philippine Time

📍 Day 2:
📆 Date: 25 June 2026 (Thursday)
🕖 Time: 17:00-19:00 Philippine Time

Register through the QR code in the poster below ⬇️ by 17 June 2026 (Wednesday). See you there! 👋

Tickets for A 70 Year Opus: Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship in Concert are now on sale! 🎼🌟

Don’t miss your chance to experience the symphonic melodies of composers Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by the New Japan Philharmonic (NJP). 🎻🎶

🎟️ Book your tickets at https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=PHJPNFC26

For more information on NJP, check the website below:
https://www.njp.or.jp/en/about/wdo/

A 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship Concert is coming this June! 🎼🌟

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), is proud to announce a classical music concert commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship, entitled “A 70 Year Opus: Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship in Concert.” 🇵🇭🇯🇵

Performing in Manila for the first time, the New Japan Philharmonic (NJP), featuring 🎶 conductor HONNA Tetsuji and 🎻 violinist KAMIO Mayuko, will showcase timeless masterpieces by composers Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Save the date:
📅Date: 24 June 2026 (Wednesday)
🕗Time: 7:30 PM
📍Venue: The Theater at Solaire, Parañaque City

Ticket sales will be available soon on Ticketworld.

For more information on NJP, check the website below:
https://www.njp.or.jp/en/about/wdo/

Come and join us for this unforgettable celebration of friendship, collaboration, and the enduring power of music!