One of my favorite Japanese phrases is “ichi go ichi e,” meaning a once in a lifetime encounter. It dates back to the 16th century and captures the spirit of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, emphasizing the highest respect and courtesy to the guest bearing in mind that the occasion can only occur once in a lifetime. I believe it also speaks of a general wisdom to seize the irreplaceable opportunities each meeting presents.

In the world of diplomacy, this holds especially true. Even in the age of digital communication, a state visit serves as both a powerful gesture of commitment and an intimate forum to advance shared interests.

This brings us now to the upcoming state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan from May 26 to 29.

With 2026 marking the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines Friendship, this special visit is built on the context of the long-standing exchanges our two nations have shared.

Since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1956, our mutual state visits have been highly significant. President Garcia’s 1958 visit to Japan, the first state guest to be received just two years after normalization, set a warm prelude. This latest state visit marks the eighth in a storied succession of state visits from the Philippines, and President Marcos’s fourth visit to Japan since his inauguration.

High level mutual visits are most significant occasions to set the tone of bilateral relationships. It was the visit of Their Majesties, the Emperor Hirohito and Empress Michiko to the Philippines in January 2016, that marked our 60th anniversary.

As the first state visit by a Philippine president in over a decade, President Marcos will receive the highest courtesies from the Government of Japan, including the welcome ceremony and the state banquet at the Imperial Palace attended by their Majesties, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

At the summit meeting with Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae, both leaders are expected to highlight our ongoing cooperation and establish directions for further progress through economic, security, and people-to-people engagements.

Deepening cooperation with the Philippines aligns with Japan’s updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” focusing on three priorities: strengthening economic infrastructure in the age of AI and data; co-creating economic growth opportunities through public-private collaboration and shared rules; and enhancing security cooperation for regional peace and stability. These efforts aim to build a more resilient, prosperous future across the region.

On energy, the recently launched Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia) reflects our shared commitment to a future built on sustainable energy. This framework will promote both immediate emergency responses and mid- to long-term structural initiatives to ensure a stable energy supply across the region. Building on President Marcos’ participation in last month’s Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit, we envision that the discussions will yield more tangible benefits for both nations toward a more energy-secure future.

Our countries have also long maintained a close economic and development partnership. Japan is the Philippines’ second-largest export destination and the third-largest import source. For decades, Japan has also been the largest bilateral donor for the Philippines.

With this visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to further promote development through enhanced business and investment opportunities, including Economic Partnership Agreements, taxation arrangements, and implementation of quality infrastructure projects supported by ODA.

Under the steadfast leadership of President Marcos, Japan and the Philippines have also been steadily deepening security cooperation in recent years. Both countries welcome Japan’s participation in multiple exercises through the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), including the recent Balikatan. Both countries are also expected to discuss strengthened defense ties through various measures including through Official Security Assistance (OSA), the transfer of defense equipment and technology, and the protection of classified information.

This occasion will also be an important opportunity for Prime Minister Takaichi to exchange views on regional and global situations with this year’s ASEAN Chair. Moreover, it will allow Japan and the Philippines to reaffirm our trilateral cooperation with the United States.

President Marcos’ visit carries profound diplomatic and symbolic significance. It reflects the enduring trust, continuity, and depth of our longstanding partnership, while reaffirming our shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in the years ahead.

In our seven decades of friendship, we are fortunate to have a rich constellation of close encounters. These visits between our countries have transcended simple fora to become the signposts of our growing trust, echoing decades of hard-earned progress toward our current strategic relations covering a comprehensive range of fields.

In the spirit of “ichi go ichi e,” this State Visit is a valuable opportunity as our countries face shared challenges and possibilities as strategic partners. As the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, I am truly humbled and honored to join this once-in-a-life-time opportunity to play even a tiny part in our shared journey.