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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Japanese Ambassador Endo bids farewell, thanks Filipinos for support and friendship

Japanese Ambassador Endo bids farewell, thanks Filipinos for support and friendship

Published Aug 28, 2026 12:38 pm

At A Glance

  • Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya thanked Filipinos as he concluded his two-and-a-half-year tour of duty.
  • President Marcos honored Endo with the Order of Sikatuna, Grand Cross with Distinction, for his contributions to strengthening Philippines-Japan relations.
  • Endo's tenure saw expanded cooperation in defense, security, development, infrastructure, education, transportation, and maritime domain awareness.
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife Akiko thank Filipinos for their unwavering support and friendship as Endo ends his two-and-a-half-year tour of duty. (Japanese Embassy/X)
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife Akiko thank Filipinos for their unwavering support and friendship as Endo ends his two-and-a-half-year tour of duty. (Japanese Embassy/X)

Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya bade farewell to Filipinos on Friday, Aug. 28, as he ended his two-and-a-half-year tour of duty, describing his time in the country as "truly unforgettable."

In an X post, Endo thanked Filipinos for their "unwavering" support and friendship, saying he was deeply humbled to have served as ambassador "at the height of our two countries’ partnership."

"Taos-pusong pasasalamat, Pilipinas (My sincerest thanks, Philippines)!” he wrote. 

“These two and a half years have been truly unforgettable, and I am deeply humbled to have served as Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines at the height of our two countries’ partnership," he added.

In a video accompanying the post, Endo also thanked Filipinos for their friendship and support.

"Maraming salamat sa walang humpay ninyong suporta at pagkakaibigan (Thank you very much for your unwavering support and friendship),” he said.

“Hanggang sa muli! Mata ne (Until we meet again. See you)!” he added.

Endo’s farewell message came a day after President Marcos honored him during a farewell call at Malacañang, where the President conferred on him the Order of Sikatuna, Grand Cross with Distinction, for his contributions to strengthening Philippine-Japan relations.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Endo was recognized for promoting bilateral exchanges and deepening cooperation in defense, security, and development cooperation, as well as supporting Philippine priorities in infrastructure, education, transportation, maritime domain awareness, and human resource development.

The PCO also cited Endo's efforts to advance Japan's longstanding commitment to peace and development in Mindanao, including support for the peace process, grassroots development, and the transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The award likewise recognized his efforts to mobilize Japanese humanitarian and development assistance during natural disasters and recent regional crises, as well as initiatives that fostered friendship, mutual understanding, and goodwill between Filipinos and Japanese.

The Order of Sikatuna is conferred on individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Philippines or made outstanding contributions to Philippine-Japan relations.

The Philippines and Japan are marking 70 years of normalized relations this year, with 15 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership since 2011, and bilateral ties having expanded across economic, development, security, and people-to-people cooperation.

Related Tags

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