Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s first official visit to the Philippines, marked by a warm welcome despite inclement weather, signals a new chapter in Manila-Tokyo relations. The visit focused on strengthening security cooperation, particularly in the South China Sea, and expanding economic partnerships.
MANILA, Philippines — Under the gray monsoon skies that blanketed the Philippine capital on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba arrived at Malacañang Palace to a warm, if rain-sheltered, reception by Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Accompanied by his wife, Yoshiko Ishiba, the Japanese leader commenced his first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office, ushering in a new chapter in Manila-Tokyo diplomatic relations.
The historic visit underscores the deepening strategic and economic cooperation between two of Asia’s oldest and closest democratic allies. Braving the mid-afternoon rain, Prime Minister Ishiba touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at exactly 12:48 p.m. aboard a government jet, where he was greeted by a high-level Philippine welcome delegation. His first stop was at the heart of the nation’s heritage — Rizal Park — where he laid a solemn wreath at the foot of the Rizal Monument, a symbolic gesture of solidarity and shared democratic ideals between the two nations.
Ceremonial Welcome in Malacañang
Upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace, the formalities shifted indoors due to persistent rain showers brought on by an approaching tropical disturbance. Yet, the symbolism of the occasion remained intact. President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos greeted the visiting couple in a dignified welcome ceremony within the Palace’s Reception Hall.
The palace corridors bustled with Philippine dignitaries and Cabinet officials, who lined up to personally greet the Japanese Prime Minister and his wife. Among those present were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto — reflecting the breadth of topics on the diplomatic agenda.
Also in attendance were Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Public Works and Highways Secretary Manny Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jaybee Ruiz.
Bilateral Meeting Focuses on Security and Trade
Following the welcome rites, Prime Minister Ishiba and President Marcos convened a closed-door bilateral meeting that sources described as “substantive and future-oriented.” According to Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, the summit’s central focus revolved around issues of regional security, particularly maritime domain awareness and defense cooperation in the wake of growing tensions in the South China Sea.
The two leaders revisited and reaffirmed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a landmark defense accord signed in July 2024 by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. The RAA permits Japanese Self-Defense Forces to join joint military exercises in the Philippines alongside U.S. troops, such as the annual “Balikatan” drills, marking a significant expansion in trilateral military cooperation among the Philippines, Japan, and the United States.
“The RAA is not merely symbolic — it is a strategic leap forward,” said a Palace insider familiar with the discussions. “It provides operational latitude for both nations to respond cohesively to maritime threats and contributes to preserving peace and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.”
Addressing Regional Tensions
Though unnamed in official briefings, the specter of China loomed large over the security agenda. The West Philippine Sea, part of the wider South China Sea, has been a flashpoint in recent years with increasing incidents involving Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels harassing Philippine fishermen and vessels. Japan, too, has its own territorial disputes with Beijing in the East China Sea, lending urgency and a shared purpose to the Tokyo-Manila partnership.
Speaking after the meeting, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a “rules-based international order,” emphasizing, “Our friendship with Japan is rooted in mutual respect and democratic values. Together, we face common challenges, and together, we will seek peaceful solutions.”
Prime Minister Ishiba echoed these sentiments, stating through a translator, “Japan values the partnership of the Philippines. Our cooperation today is not just about national interest; it is about safeguarding the region’s peace for generations to come.”
Expanding Economic and Trade Relations
Beyond security, economic collaboration formed a core pillar of the talks. As both nations continue to grapple with the global consequences of supply chain disruptions, inflation, and climate-driven agricultural instability, Ishiba and Marcos expressed optimism in enhancing trade flows and investment opportunities.
Officials from both countries agreed to accelerate talks for an expanded Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), including preferential terms for agricultural exports, digital trade frameworks, and the mutual recognition of professional licenses.
Philippine Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan both emphasized the importance of Japanese investments in infrastructure under the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” initiative, with Japan remaining one of the largest bilateral donors to the Philippines through Official Development Assistance (ODA).
“Japan’s assistance has always been catalytic — in railways, in bridges, and in climate-resilient infrastructure,” Recto noted during a side briefing. “This visit reinforces that Japan is not only a strategic ally but a true development partner.”
Soft Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange
Complementing the hard diplomacy was a shared appreciation for cultural bonds. Yoshiko Ishiba and Liza Araneta-Marcos reportedly discussed joint cultural projects, including a planned 2026 Philippines-Japan Cultural Exchange Festival to commemorate the 70th anniversary of post-war diplomatic relations.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco highlighted a mutual commitment to boosting two-way tourism, with both countries aiming to ease visa requirements and increase direct flights between regional hubs.
“We are working toward creating tourism corridors that highlight our shared heritage and culinary traditions,” Frasco said, citing Japanese interest in Filipino eco-tourism destinations and the growing Filipino tourist population in Kyoto and Osaka.
Looking Forward
As the day’s official engagements wrapped up, the First Couple hosted an intimate state dinner for the Japanese delegation, featuring a blend of Filipino and Japanese cuisine. President Marcos toasted the “unbreakable friendship” between the two nations and proposed deeper cooperation in technology, disaster risk reduction, and educational exchanges.
For many observers, Ishiba’s visit is not only a reaffirmation of existing ties but a signal of Tokyo’s increased willingness to take a more proactive security role in Southeast Asia — an evolution watched closely by allies and rivals alike.
In the words of Ambassador Kazuya, “This is a visit not just for today, but for the decades to come.”