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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines, Japan gear up for Marcos' State Visit to Tokyo

Philippines, Japan gear up for Marcos' State Visit to Tokyo

Published May 16, 2026 06:17 am

At A Glance

  • Philippine and Japanese officials discussed preparations for President Marcos' state visit to Japan later this month.
  • The two sides are eyeing possible agreements on energy, defense, security, and other areas of cooperation.
  • Officials also discussed regional developments, including the recent ASEAN Summit in Cebu.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya (Lazaro/X)
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya (Lazaro/X)

The Philippines and Japan are ramping up preparations for President Marcos's upcoming State Visit to Tokyo later this month, with both countries eyeing stronger cooperation in energy, defense, and security.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she met with Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya to discuss preparations and possible deliverables for Marcos’ May 26 to 29 State Visit to Japan.

“Had the pleasure of receiving Ambassador Endo Kazuya today regarding the preparations for the State Visit of President Marcos to Japan on 26-29 May 2026,” Lazaro said in a post on X.

“We discussed possible deliverables to strengthen cooperation in energy, defense, security & other areas of mutual interest to,, ensure a productive visit,” she added.

For his part, Ambassador Endo said discussions also covered regional developments, including the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit hosted by the Philippines in Cebu.

“Pleased to have a meeting with Secretary Theresa Lazaro as we discussed preparations for President Marcos Jr.’s State Visit to Japan in late May,” the Japanese envoy said on X.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) earlier said that during the State Visit, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to be received by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Imperial Palace for a welcome ceremony, state call, and state banquet.

The President will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, during which the two leaders are expected to discuss the future trajectory of the Philippines-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership and to continue their recent discussions on current international developments, particularly energy and food security, and maritime security.

Marcos is likewise scheduled to meet with Japanese business groups and the members of the Filipino community.

The last State Visit to Japan by a Philippine President was undertaken by former President Benigno S. Aquino III in June 2015, while Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko last undertook a State Visit to the Philippines in January 2016.

The Philippines and Japan are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations this year. 

Japan remains among the Philippines’ key strategic and economic partners, with Manila and Tokyo expanding cooperation in recent years across infrastructure, maritime security, defense, energy, and economic development.

Marcos previously described Japan as one of the Philippines’ “strongest and closest” allies in the region.

Related Tags

PRESIDENT MARCOS Bongbong Marcos State Visit PH-Japan Endo Kazuya Ma. Theresa Lazaro DFA
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