Ambassador Endo Kazuya leads Japan emperor’s 66th birthday celebration

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March 19, 2026 | 12:00am

Recently, we celebrated the 66th birthday of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Naruhito, the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japan Friendship, and Japan’s Hinamatsuri, honoring the growth and happiness of girls.

Ambassador of Japan Endo Kazuya said this: “With so much to celebrate, I wish a happy birthday to His Majesty, a happy anniversary to all of us, and a Happy Girl’s Day to my beloved beauties.

“Also joining us in this historic evening is a total lunar eclipse over Manila, a rare celestial event to mark this special day. I am honored to reintroduce our Commemorative Logo for this Year of Friendship, themed ‘Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.’ Japan’s shimenawa rope and the Philippines’ abaca rope intertwine to symbolize the strong friendship woven over seven decades.

“Our shared history is defined by a commitment to peace, reconciliation and cooperation. President Elpidio Quirino’s 1953 decision to pardon Japanese prisoners of war, along with the 1956 Japan–Philippines Reparations Agreement, laid the foundation for mutual respect. Visits by the Imperial Family, beginning with His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko in 1962, and their return as Emperor and Empress in 2016, have symbolically reinforced our strengthened ties.

“Recent high-level exchanges further reaffirm Japan’s commitment to our partnership. Prime Minister Takaichi’s first meeting with a foreign leader was with President Marcos, followed by Foreign Minister Motegi’s visit to Manila. Since the 1960s, Japan has been a steadfast partner in the Philippines’ development through Official Development Assistance, supporting critical infrastructure projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway.

“In 2025, our economic ties continued to thrive. Japan was the Philippines’ second-largest trading partner and top investor, with around 1,600 Japanese companies contributing significantly to the Philippine economy and employment. Japan has also long supported peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

“Our security cooperation has strengthened through increased joint exercises, relief efforts under the Reciprocal Access Agreement, and Japan’s Official Security Assistance, which bolsters Philippine defense capabilities. Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreements signed earlier this year further enhance our collaboration. Multilateral cooperation has expanded as well, with joint maritime activities alongside the Philippines, the US, and other partners, including the first-ever trilateral coast guard exercise in Japan with the Philippines and the US, reaffirming our commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

“People-to-people connections continue to deepen our friendship. Tonight, we are honored by the presence of gymnast Carlos Yulo, trained in Japan and a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Paris, exemplifying the ties we share through sports. Travel has also brought our peoples closer — nearly 900,000 Filipinos visited Japan last year, reflecting the warmth and curiosity that strengthen our bond. I also welcome the Philippine Government’s participation in the Green Expo 2027 in Yokohama, Japan, where the country will showcase its biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and natural beauty.

“I would like to thank the 28 companies and organizations whose booths have made this reception special. I hope our guests enjoy seafood, Wagyu beef, strawberries, sake (my favorite, of course!), and other gourmet selections straight from the heart of Japan. Finally, I want to express my personal appreciation to my wife, Akiko, whose tireless support over more than 33 years has made every step of this journey possible. Since her arrival in Manila, she has become well-known for her warmth, and I sometimes introduce myself as the husband of Madame Ambassador.

“With 70 years of friendship behind us, let us continue weaving our tapestry of friendship into a lasting heritage of harmony, one that future generations can cherish.”