Japan's new envoy 'ready to dive in' after arriving in Manila
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Japanese Ambassador-designate to Manila Endo Kazuya is excited to witness the “golden age” of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership as he begins his tour of duty in Manila.

Japanese Ambassador-designate to Manila Endo Kazuya (Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines screenshot)
The newly-appointed envoy arrived in Manila last Thursday, March 14, to assume his responsibilities from former Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who ended his term last March 5.
“Mabuhay! I've just touched down in the Philippines. Ready to dive in, collaborate with the dynamic Filipino community, and elevate our relations. Committed to building even stronger ties between our nations. Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much)!,” he said in a post in X (formerly Twitter).
In a video message included in the post, Endo talked about expanding the ties between the two countries, as well as his impressions of the Philippines having visited the country during his term as director-general of the International Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
“The robust ties binding our nations have set the stage for ‘the golden age’ of the Strategic Partnership. Our relations are expanding in various areas, from the economy and security to cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
“As I embark on this diplomatic journey in the Philippines, I look forward to collaborating with the Filipino community to further elevate these wonderful relations. Together, let us aspire to a future defined by strengthened ties, shared prosperity, and enduring friendship,” the ambassador-designate added.
Among his visits to the Philippines, Endo shared that “especially noteworthy” was when he joined the delegation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio when he visited in November 2023.
The new envoy said that during the visit, he “witnessed firsthand the dynamic and vibrant nature of Japan-Philippine relations.”
The ambassadors of the United States and the United Kingdom welcomed Endo to the country via a reply on his social media post.
“Welcome to the Philippines! You're going to love it here!,” US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson wrote.
“Welcome to the (Philippines), ambassador. I’m your (UK) next door neighbor and look forward to meeting you very soon!!,” British Ambassador to Manila Laura Beaufils chimed in.