A TOAST TO STRONG BILATERAL RELATIONS From left: Defense Undersecretary Angelito de Leon, Executive Secretary Hon. Lucas Bersamin, and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiro Koshikawa

In a display of camaraderie and mutual respect, Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa hosted a garden reception at his residence on July 7 to mark the 69th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Esteemed officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps graced the occasion, united in celebrating the momentous milestone of the Self-Defense Forces.

Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Angelito de Leon conveyed a message on behalf of Secretary of Defense Gibo Teodoro. Executive Secretary Hon. Lucas Bersamin was also present to extend his congratulations.

Ambassador Koshikawa, in his welcoming address, expressed unwavering optimism and heartfelt gratitude for the robust and dynamic relationship between Japan and the Philippines today. One can argue that the two countries are currently at the golden age of its bilateral ties. Reflecting on significant advancements in defense cooperation, he lauded the flourishing bond between the two nations, particularly in the realms of defense and security, since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office last year.

KEEPING IT IN CHECK Ambassador Koshikawa and members of the JSDF meet with defense equipment suppliers from Japan during the event

Recounting President Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Japan in February 2023, Ambassador Koshikawa placed special emphasis on the signing of the “Terms of Reference on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief activities (HA/DR) of the JSDF in the Philippines,” underscoring its potential to expand avenues for future Japan-Philippines defense collaboration.

Furthermore, he highlighted the imperative of stronger collaboration among like-minded nations to safeguard global stability and peace. Drawing attention to the 2023 G7 Summit held in Hiroshima, the Japanese ambassador reaffirmed the unity of world leaders in taking necessary steps to guide the international community toward enhanced cooperation while deterring unwarranted divisions and confrontations.

CULTURAL APPRECIATION Amb. Kaz in Tagaytay after enjoying the fresh air and pleasant weather through the vehicle's open windows

Ambassador Koshikawa accentuated Japan’s reinforced commitment to regional peace and stability, with a focus on achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). Emphasizing the significance of close cooperation among nations bound by universal values and principles, he reiterated Japan, the Philippines, and the US’ shared dedication to bolstering maritime cooperation, exemplified by the inaugural joint trilateral exercise involving the coast guards of the three countries.

Additionally, he hailed the first-ever Japan-Australia-Philippines-US Defense Ministerial Meeting as a positive step toward upholding peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea.

Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III (left) and Cong. Nicanor Briones of Agap Partylist (right) at the JSDF Anniversary Event. Gov. Albano is married to Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano, our country's first female Ambassador to Japan

Turning to the broader bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines, Ambassador Koshikawa highlighted the visit of Senate President Zubiri and his delegation to Japan, affirming the continued strength of Japan-Philippines relations under their senatorial capacity.

He noted the successful convening of the second Japan-Philippines “2+2” meeting and expressed optimism for the future conclusion of a Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). Furthermore, the ambassador underscored the deep-rooted ties between Japan and the Philippines across various fields such as diplomacy, economy, and culture, proudly acknowledging Japan’s fulfillment of all promised projects in the Philippines.

WOMEN IN UNIFORM The event also highlighted the contribution of women in the field of defense

Pop culture favorites

One of Japan’s most recognizable fictional characters among Filipinos is actually a robot that defends the world from alien invasion. Voltes V’s popularity endures to this day with our own live action remake. A model of the beloved robot resides in the ambassador’s official residence in Manila, captivating guests and event attendees with its nostalgic charm.

Up until the event, I did not know who Julie Anne San Jose was. She rose to stardom a few years ago while we were still posted abroad. So when friends from the embassy told me they were having a guest who was instrumental to Filipino-Japanese culture at the event, my first guess was that it was going to be Ellen Nishiumi of Oh Tokyo! fame. I guess that says more about my age, though. Thankfully, my faux pas drew a laugh or two among the people who remembered Ellen.

A STUNNING PERFORMANCE Mme. Yuko Koshikawa (left) with singer Julie Anne San Jose after her performace at the event

San Jose is a singer who splendidly reimagined the Voltes V theme song for the Filipino remake. Singing at Ambassador Koshikawa’s event, she showcased great vocal range and impressed the fans among the crowd with her version of the show’s theme song made popular by Mitsuko Horie in the ’80s.

“Filipinos love embracing different cultures,” said San Jose, reflecting on the cross-cultural affinity between the Philippines and Japan. “Especially when it comes to shows and the arts. Voltes V was a huge part of my childhood. My sister and I would watch re-runs on the television when we were younger. When we embrace each other’s cultures, we can have unity.

Consider me one of San Jose’s newest fans. Embracing cultures is a two-way street and Ambassador Koshikawa, currently one of the longest-serving envoys in Manila, is known for truly embracing life here in Manila. Just over the weekend, the ambassador was in Tagaytay enjoying jeepney rides and promoting it on his Twitter feed.

San Jose’s presence and performance at the event and Ambassador Koshikawa’s efforts to truly get to know the Philippines serve as a reminder that when we embrace each other’s cultures, we promote unity, a testament to the enduring power of shared artistic expressions in fostering strong bilateral ties.