Noting that he seeks to further strengthen ties between both nations in the midst of challenges.
On Tuesday, May 26, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed Manila for his four-day state visit to Japan, which coincides with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of the Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations in 2026.
In his pre-departure speech, Marcos noted, “This visit seeks to further strengthen the bonds of friendship with a close neighbor, like-minded, and future-oriented just like us in many ways, and a most reliable partner in times of both prosperity and times of uncertainty, such as today’s ongoing oil crisis.”
He also emphasized, “During this trip, I hope to harness the positive trajectory of our relations with Japan in all of our enriching engagements.”
He also said that his administration is working closely with Japan in bringing the Strengthened Strategic Partnership to greater heights.
During his visit, he will actively seek collaboration in priority areas such as: agriculture, energy and decarbonization, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, infrastructure, defense and security, space technology, and the development of Mindanao.
In geopolitics, Marcos said the Philippines will also push its interests in the West Philippine Sea, as well as discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, ASEAN, the cooperation with the United States, and the Philippines’ candidature to the United Nations Security Council.
The Chief Executive said he will also have a comprehensive discussion with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on various issues to strengthen the Philippine-Japan bilateral cooperation, from security and economic relations to steadfast commitment to regional and global peace and prosperity.
Furthermore, both leaders will also witness the signing and exchange of an important agreement in trade and investment, and announce key bilateral initiatives in security and maritime cooperation.
Marcos noted that the defense and security partnership with Japan has deepened in recent years through the forging of new agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed in 2024 and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) signed in 2026.
Japan has likewise extended grants under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) programs in 2023, 2024, and 2025, which support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.
The visit and the deals, he said, are important as the country navigates the rapidly evolving global geopolitical landscape.
“This State Visit to Japan is essential amid an increasingly challenging and evolving global environment,” told PBBM. “It forms part of a broader foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation, and more enduring economic partnerships with major countries in the region in order to advance the interests of the Filipino people, while promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”
In terms of bilateral trade and official development assistance (ODA), the President said Japan has been consistent in its commitment to uphold the same values aligned with the Philippine economic and development priorities.
“Japan is also the first country which signed a bilateral free trade agreement with the Philippines through the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement or PJEPA,” said Marcos.
Notably, Japan has extended assistance to the government’s Build, Better, More infrastructure programs, such as the first phase of the Metro Manila Subway Project, and the construction of the North-to-South Commuter Railway Project that will connect Malolos and Tutuban.
It also supported the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, and the construction of the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Project that will connect Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay.
Similar assistance was given by Japan to the development of Mindanao through grants in projects such as the establishment of the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi- Tawi Wireless Backbone Network.
“I believe we can further expand our security, economic, and development cooperation in order to enhance our national defense posture and to uplift the standard of living of Filipinos in different parts of the country,” said the President Marcos stated.
In this trip, the President is joined by First Lady Liza Marcos and, together, will also have an Imperial Audience with The Emperor and Empress of Japan during the visit.
Also part of the President’s itinerary is holding meetings with Japan’s business leaders to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines, in which he will be joined by the economic team and key private sector representatives, and meeting the Filipino community in Japan.
Prior to his state visit this week, the President had official and working visits to Tokyo and Osaka in 2023 and 2025, where he advanced the country’s multifaceted cooperation with Japan, the Philippines’ first and oldest strategic partner.