President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are set to hold a summit meeting Thursday, May 28, as part of Marcos’ third day of his state visit to Japan.
According to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, the two leaders are expected to agree to pursue a review of the Japan–Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, with the aim of strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and energy.
Discussions are also expected to cover the establishment of rules and frameworks for joint procurement during crises, particularly in light of geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
The reported initiatives align with Prime Minister Takaichi’s policy direction of advancing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” strategy while reducing dependence on specific countries for critical materials.
NHK also reported that Japan is advancing a regional energy resilience effort known as the “POWERR Asia” (Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia) initiative, a proposed US$10 billion framework designed to stabilize energy supply chains across Asia.
The program includes emergency response measures such as coordinated oil procurement, expanded crude oil stockpiles, and fuel-sharing arrangements, as well as long-term structural efforts including energy diversification and infrastructure upgrades.
The two leaders are also expected to reaffirm defense cooperation following Japan’s decision in principle to allow the export of lethal weapons, according to NHK.
They will also discuss deepening security ties between the two Asian nations.
Both countries are U.S. security allies that have expressed concern over China’s growing military power, making them close defense partners both bilaterally and in trilateral cooperation with Washington.
From late April to early May, Japan deployed 1,400 combat troops from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to the Philippines for the first time since World War II to take part in military exercises.
Following the summit, a signing ceremony between the Philippines and Japan is expected, along with a joint press conference by both leaders, according to RH Leth Narciso on "Damdaming Bayan"
Before the summit, President Marcos is scheduled to meet executives from Kurokawa Electric Company Limited, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., and MinebeaMitsumi Inc. to discuss potential economic and industrial cooperation.
Marcos is also expected to deliver an address before the National Diet of Japan, composed of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
In a state banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Wednesday, May 27, President Marcos emphasized that the deepening ties between the Philippines and Japan are grounded in trust, shared aspirations for peace, and development.
“Together, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to peace and a rules-based order governed by international law, ensuring stability, prosperity, and dignity for future generations,” Marcos said.
The President also marked the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, noting that bilateral cooperation now extends beyond traditional diplomacy to include maritime security, humanitarian response, and regional stability.
He described the relationship as one shaped by generations that have consistently chosen friendship over division.
Marcos also paid tribute to the contributions of Filipinos living and working in Japan, highlighting their role in strengthening people-to-people ties.
“Whether in seasons of abundance and hardship, Japan has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Filipino people, extending solidarity and assistance at the right moments to reassure us that we have a friend we can always count on,” Marcos added.
