Metro Manila, Philippines – Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya looks back at a two-and-a-half-year Manila posting that saw Philippine-Japan relations expand from closer economic and people-to-people ties to a new level of defense and security cooperation.
Endo, who began his tour of duty in March 2024, will end his stay this month as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations.
“At a time when Japan-Philippines relations are deepening across a wide range of fields, and as we mark the milestone 70th anniversary of the normalization of our diplomatic relations, it has been a great honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Ambassador to the Philippines,” Endo said in his farewell message.
His stint saw some of the most significant changes in the relationship in decades.
‘Excellent ties’
The Philippines and Japan signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in July 2024, establishing a framework for their forces to enter each other’s territory for training and other activities.
Japan also expanded security assistance to the Philippines as both countries faced growing concerns over China’s activities in the East and South China Seas.
In an interview on NewsWatch Plus’ The Newsmaker last year, Endo described the relationship at an “excellent” stage.
“We are very much glad to see steady growth, progress in our security, defense cooperation with the Philippines,” he said.
The ambassador pointed to the RAA, defense equipment transfers and Japan’s Official Security Assistance program as signs of the rapidly expanding relationship.
A defense logistics agreement between both sides entered into force on Saturday, Aug. 22, establishing a framework for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between their armed forces. The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) was signed in Manila on Jan. 15.
A milestone in Tokyo
For Endo, one moment stood above the rest.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan in May 2026 saw Manila and Tokyo elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the first of its kind for the Philippines.
“This was an unforgettable milestone for me as the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines,” Endo said.
He credited generations of Filipinos and Japanese who worked to strengthen a relationship once defined by the painful legacy of World War II.
“This achievement is entirely thanks to the longstanding, tireless efforts of all those engaged in further advancing Japan–Philippines cooperation and exchange across various fields including security, the economy, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
“For this, I extend my deepest gratitude,” Endo said.
The transformation goes beyond defense.
Japan has remained a major development partner of the Philippines, supporting infrastructure projects including the Metro Manila Subway and North-South Commuter Railway.
Endo described Japan in the same interview as a “long-term supporter” of Philippine infrastructure development. He said cooperation had also expanded to human resource development and climate-related initiatives.
Filipinos, travel, and ‘sisig’
Away from diplomatic meetings, Endo also got a taste of the relationship at a personal level.
His assignment brought him beyond Metro Manila to places including Baguio, Davao, General Santos and South Cotabato.
“Very good, in one word,” Endo said when asked how the Philippines had treated him.
“I’ve been very much impressed by the friendliness, openness of my Filipino friends,” he added.
Endo highlighted the “Philippine brand of hospitality” during his travels.
The trips exposed him to communities with historical connections to Japan, including links that predated formal diplomatic relations.
“I pay respect to all the efforts made by all the predecessors in both countries, and I would like to build upon all those bases, foundations to further deepen the ties between our two countries,” Endo said.
Then there was the food.
During the interview, Endo was given a choice among Filipino dishes and settled on a favorite: sisig.
“Sisig,” he said, describing it as something he enjoyed with beer after what he jokingly called a “terrible play of golf.”
‘Maraming salamat po’
Endo leaves Manila with the relationship he inherited formally upgraded and security cooperation occupying a much larger place.
He said he intends to continue supporting Philippine-Japan relations even after handing the embassy over to his successor.
“I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow from strength to strength,” Endo said.
“While ensuring a smooth handover to my successor, I, myself, will continue to support the development of Japan-Philippines relations and do whatever I can, however small,” he said.
“Maraming salamat po,” the envoy ended.
