First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos heralded the strengthening ties between the Philippines and Japan following an intimate dinner hosted by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, just days before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. departs for a high-profile state visit to Tokyo.
In a social media post on Wednesday, May 20, the First Lady shared highlights of the gathering at the ambassador’s residence, describing it as a testament to the robust cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The evening featured a unique culinary tribute: a Japanese-style rendition of the Filipino classic dish, sinigang.
“A wonderful evening of friendship, warm conversations, and a delightful surprise — the Japanese rendition of our very own sinigang. Truly memorable,” the First Lady said.
Expressing gratitude to the Japanese envoy and his wife, Endo Akiko, she emphasized how these personal exchanges mirror the growing people-to-people connections bridging Manila and Tokyo.
“My sincere thanks to His Excellency ENDO Kazuya and Mme. ENDO Akiko for graciously welcoming us into their home. We deeply appreciate your kindness and hospitality as we prepare for the President’s State Visit to Japan next week,” she added.
Security and Energy Top Agenda
The upcoming state visit, scheduled from May 26 to 29, comes at a historic juncture as both nations celebrate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations.
President Marcos is slated to hold a crucial summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Speaking to Japanese media during a roundtable discussion in Malacañang on Monday, May 18, the Chief Executive confirmed that regional stability and defense ties will take center stage.
“I expect that we will be talking about many things, but of course, security cooperation will be a very important part of that discussion,” President Marcos stated.
Beyond defense, the President noted that energy security has been elevated to a priority topic, spurred by volatile global fuel supply chains tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Royal Reception and Economic Ties
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the state visit will feature the highest level of diplomatic protocols. President Marcos and the First Lady are scheduled to be received by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Imperial Palace for an official welcome ceremony, a state call, and a state banquet.
The President’s itinerary also includes high-level meetings with Japanese business conglomerates and a gathering with the Filipino community in Japan.
Japan remains one of the Philippines’ most vital strategic partners. Over the decades, cooperation has rapidly expanded across infrastructure development, trade, maritime security, and economic development. This trip marks the first state visit by a sitting Philippine president to Japan since the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III traveled to Tokyo in June 2015.