As tensions continue to reshape the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is using his four-day State Visit to Japan to deepen one of the Philippines’ most important strategic partnerships.
The visit, undertaken upon the invitation of the Japanese government and coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Manila and Tokyo, is expected to strengthen cooperation in defense, maritime security, trade, investment, energy, and regional stability.
On Wednesday, President Marcos and the First Lady undertook a state call on Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
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Hosting a state visit is considered a rare honor in Japan, and President Marcos is only the third world leader received by Emperor Naruhito in such a capacity since the Emperor’s accession to the throne in 2019.
During the ceremony, President Marcos received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan’s highest and most prestigious award bestowed on foreign heads of state and distinguished leaders.
The First Lady received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.
In a reciprocal gesture, the Philippines conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo or Grand Collar on Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako received the Order of Gabriela Silang.
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The state call included military honors, the playing of the Philippine and Japanese national anthems, an inspection of the Guard of Honor, and introductions between members of the Japanese Cabinet and the Philippine delegation.
Before beginning his official meetings with Japanese leaders, President Marcos first met with members of the Filipino community in Tokyo, emphasizing the importance of overseas Filipinos in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
“Bago pa man kami makipagpulong sa mga pinuno ng Japan, minarapat naming unahin ang pakikipagkita sa inyo, sapagkat kayo ang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan. Kayo ang nagbibigay ng buhay sa ugnayang ito,” the President said before members of the Filipino community at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
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Around 350,000 Filipinos currently live and work in Japan, making them among the country’s largest expatriate communities.
President Marcos assured overseas Filipinos of continued government support and protection.
“Napakahalaga po para sa amin na maipabatid sa inyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay walang tigil at walang sawang nagsisikap upang mapangalagaan ang inyong mga karapatan, kapakanan, at kaligtasan habang kayo ay naghahanapbuhay sa ibayong dagat,” he said.
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Addressing younger Filipinos in Japan, the President said: “Integration does not mean assimilation. It does not mean forgetting your roots and abandoning who you are. Our greatest asset is our unique identity.”
President Marcos also cited the ongoing Middle East conflict and oil crisis, noting that the Philippines had declared a State of National Energy Emergency and implemented the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program to stabilize fuel supply and cushion affected sectors.
He stressed that global crises increasingly require stronger international cooperation between allies and partners such as the Philippines and Japan.
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The President said the theme of the anniversary celebration, “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” reflects the shared aspirations of both nations as they deepen ties amid growing regional and global uncertainties.
President Marcos arrived in Tokyo Tuesday evening together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation.
“My administration is keen on working closely with Japan in bringing our Strengthened Strategic Partnership to new heights,” the President said in his departure statement in Manila.
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He described Japan as “a close neighbor, like-minded and future-oriented like us in many ways, and a most reliable partner in times of both prosperity and uncertainty, such as the ongoing oil crisis.”
The state visit comes at a critical geopolitical moment as the Philippines and Japan continue to deepen security cooperation amid growing concerns over maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea and broader Indo-Pacific stability.
During the visit, President Marcos is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss stronger defense and security cooperation, economic partnerships, and regional coordination.
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The President is also expected to witness the signing and exchange of major trade and investment agreements, alongside new security and maritime initiatives.
Among the areas targeted for expanded cooperation are agriculture, energy and decarbonization, infrastructure, defense and security, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, space technology, and the development of Mindanao.
President Marcos is also expected to discuss with Japanese officials issues involving the West Philippine Sea, the Middle East conflict, ASEAN cooperation, coordination with the United States, and the Philippines’ candidature to the United Nations Security Council.
The visit also highlights Japan’s growing role as one of the Philippines’ closest strategic and defense partners amid changing regional dynamics.
AloJapan.com