President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday described his four-day state visit to Japan as “very constructive and highly productive” as he returned to Manila with major economic and diplomatic gains.
The plane carrying Marcos, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and the Philippine delegation landed in Manila at 6:19 p.m., on Friday, May 29.
Speaking to the media before departing Japan, Marcos highlighted the outcomes of the visit, which included strengthened economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, and diplomatic engagements between the Philippines and Japan.
“It has been a very constructive and highly productive visit, considering that we are actually in Japan for just about three days. And yet in that little time, we were able to do a great deal,” Marcos said during his regular “Kapihan with the Media.”
The President said the visit was especially meaningful as the Philippines and Japan commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year.
“It was an opportunity moment not only to reflect of seven decades of friendship but more importantly, to chart the future of our partnership,” he added.
During the visit, Marcos met with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
“Our meeting reaffirmed the enduring friendship and goodwill between the Filipino and Japanese people,” Marcos said.
The President also described his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae as “fruitful.”
The Philippines and Japan elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aimed at advancing cooperation in security, maritime safety, infrastructure, energy, technology, and trade. The agreement is expected to support high-quality projects, create livelihood opportunities, and expand economic prospects for Filipinos.
Marcos said he would bring home approximately $3.4 billion or around P210 billion in combined investment pledges, pipeline opportunities, financial support facilities, and tourism flagship investment prospects.
Several Japanese firms, including Furukawa Electric Corp., Sumitomo Electric Industries, MinebeaMitsumi Inc., and Tsuneishi Group Corp., committed additional investments amounting to P56.3 billion in the semiconductor, advanced electronics, precision manufacturing, and shipbuilding industries.
“These investments are expected to create around 10,300 additional direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos,” Marcos said.
The President also emphasized the Philippines’ strategic location in Asia as an advantage for investors.
“Because as I keep reminding our potential investors, the Philippines is only four hours away from every major capital in Asia, and that puts us geographically at the center of Asia,” he added.
Marcos also met with Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation and honorary chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, where he expressed appreciation for the organizations’ support for Filipino maritime professionals, peacebuilders, and healthcare initiatives.
The visit also included lighter moments, with Marcos and Takaichi singing The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and John Lennon’s “Imagine” during a state dinner held on May 28.
