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PH, Japan mark 69 years of unbreakable bond
Despite being on opposing sides during World War II, the Philippines and Japan have come a long way since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1956.
Nowadays, the two countries' partnership is stronger than ever—spanning culture, trade, people-to-people ties, development, and now on security cooperation.
This deepening connection was commemorated in Osaka, Japan, during the 69th anniversary of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Day.
The event, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka and held at Conrad Osaka, showcased the rich Filipino culture and the strength of bilateral ties through music, fashion, and sincere tributes.
Bayang Barrios led other Filipino performers in lighting up the scene with songs and dances that celebrated the spirit of unity.
The festivities continued with a stunning fashion show featuring designs by Furne Amato, a Dubai-based Cebuano designer renowned for sophisticated craftsmanship highlighting the spirit of Filipino artistry on the global stage.
Ambassador Koji Haneda, commissioner general of Expo 2025, recognized the deep partnership of Japan and the Philippines.
“As we approach the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization and the 15th anniversary of our strategic partnership in 2026, moments like this remind us that Japan and the Philippines are not merely neighbors connected by the ocean but partners connected by shared values, common aspirations, and mutual respect,” said Haneda, a former ambassador of Japan to the Philippines.
Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles shared the same view as the Japanese envoy.
“We honor a friendship that has stood for 69 years—woven not only by diplomacy and treaties but by shared experiences, mutual respect, and enduring ties between our peoples,” Montemayor Nograles declared.
While the occasion was joyous, it also carried a message of empathy.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, through the COO of the Tourism Promotions Board, expressed solidarity with Filipinos affected by the recent string of typhoons and flooding enhanced by the Southwest Monsoon (Hanging Habagat).
“Tonight our hearts and thoughts are with those facing difficult times. We hold you in our hearts even as we gather here today. It is in moments like this that we are reminded of our strength found in unity and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan.”
Consul General Voltaire Mauricio in an interview with GMA Integrated News emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness as a shared priority between the two countries.
“Ito po ang ating ginagawa ngayon kapag bumibisita kami sa mga governors ng ibang probinsiya dito sa Japan, kung anong best practices na matutunan natin pagdating sa kanilang ginagawa pagdating sa tsunami, sa bagyo, sa landslides, sa lindol. Ano 'yung ginagawa natin at ano naman ang pwede nating ibahagi sa kanila pagdating sa lakas natin sa mga ganung klaseng sakuna,” the head of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka explained.
(This is what we do when we visit the governors of provinces in Japan. We find out their best practices that we can learn when it comes to response to tsunamis, storms, landslides, and earthquakes. What are we doing and what can we in turn impart to them when it comes to disaster response?)
The Philippines has received numerous official development assistance (ODA) from Japan for major infrastructure projects and is one of the first countries to receive official security assistance (OSA) aimed at strengthening maritime security capabilities and improving monitoring and surveillance capabilities
The Philippines and Japan established diplomatic relations on July 23, 1956.
The celebration coincided with the continuous success of Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the Philippine Pavilion has become one of the important attractions. With its theme “Nature, Culture, and Community Woven Together for a Better Future,” the pavilion features indigenous textiles, interactive installations, and daily performances.
The Philippine Pavilion has welcomed about 600,000 visitors.
Ambassador Haneda announced that the expo continues to welcome large crowds every day. From April to the end of July, the Expo has received over 30 million visitors.
The Expo located on Yumeshima Island of Osaka will run until October 13. —KG, GMA Integrated News
