The Philippines and Japan are finalizing preparations for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State Visit to Tokyo later this month, an official visit expected to heavily fortify bilateral ties in defense, security, and energy.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro recently convened with Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya to map out the logistics and anticipated outcomes of the high-level mission scheduled from May 26 to 29, 2026.
“Had the pleasure of receiving Ambassador Endo Kazuya today regarding the preparations for the State Visit of President Marcos to Japan on 26-29 May 2026,”
Lazaro shared online, emphasizing that the strategic talks focused on creating tangible milestones for both nations.
“We discussed possible deliverables to strengthen cooperation in energy, defense, security & other areas of mutual interest to,, ensure a productive visit,”
Ambassador Endo noted that the dialogue also touched upon critical regional developments, including the outcomes of the recently concluded Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit held in Cebu.
“Pleased to have a meeting with Secretary Theresa Lazaro as we discussed preparations for President Marcos Jr.’s State Visit to Japan in late May,”
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the trip will feature prominent diplomatic ceremonies.
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are slated to receive an official welcome from Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Imperial Palace, which will include a state call and an official state banquet.
The chief executive will also hold a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. The two leaders are expected to chart the future direction of the Philippines-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership, focusing on pressing global issues such as maritime security, food security, and energy infrastructure. Additionally, Marcos will sit down with key Japanese business organizations and engage with the Filipino community.
The trip marks the first State Visit of a sitting Philippine leader to Japan since June 2015, when the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III visited Tokyo.
It also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Manila and Tokyo, underscoring a alliance that Marcos has previously heralded as one of the Philippines’ “strongest and closest” in the region.