Newly arrived Japanese Ambassador-designate Kitagawa Katsuro has pledged to deepen human and cultural exchanges between Tokyo and Manila, highlighting public-level connections as the bedrock of the bilateral partnership.
In a statement following his arrival in the country, Kitagawa expressed a profound sense of duty and honor in steering diplomatic relations during a pivotal period for both nations.
He committed to fostering stronger community engagement and ensuring that enduring partnerships are handed down to upcoming generations.
“The excellent relations we enjoy today are the culmination of heart-to-heart bonds nurtured over many decades,” he said.
Kitagawa emphasized that the current warmth between the two countries stems from historic efforts to build mutual respect, trust, and cross-border interactions.
“I will spare no effort to ensure that these people-to-people ties – the unshakable foundation of Japan-Philippines relations – further expand and are passed on dynamically to future generations,” he stated.
The diplomat assured that the Japanese Embassy, alongside its consular offices in Cebu and Davao, will maintain its dedicated support for Japanese residents across the country, focusing on their protection, welfare, and medical well-being.
Taking to social media to mark his official reach, Kitagawa shared his enthusiasm for connecting with local communities and driving joint initiatives forward.
“Mabuhay! I am KITAGAWA Katsuro, and I have finally arrived in the Philippines as Ambassador-designate of Japan,” he posted.
“As I begin my journey, I am excited to meet with all our Filipino friends and continue the work we’ve been doing to strengthen Japanese and Philippine relations. Maraming salamat po!” he added.
His diplomatic term coincides with the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines—a partnership that has seen growing collaboration in regional security, trade, development aid, and cultural exchange.
Kitagawa described the current state of bilateral cooperation as having achieved an unprecedented level of closeness and growth.
He noted the milestone decision made during President Marcos’ state visit to Tokyo in May to upgrade bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a historic first for Philippine diplomacy.
The ambassador stressed his commitment to operationalizing this strategic milestone to enhance overall cooperation.
Additionally, Kitagawa acknowledged the Philippines’ current chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reiterating Tokyo’s intent to collaborate closely with Manila to achieve actionable progress on shared regional priorities.
Pointing to preliminary ASEAN convenings, including July’s ministerial sessions ahead of November’s high-level summits, he reaffirmed Japan’s strategy of utilizing its alliance with the Philippines to foster regional security and economic growth.