As Buwan ng Wika marks its annual tribute to Filipino languages and culture, I find myself wanting to offer my own tribute as my term as Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines comes to a close.

Two and a half years have passed, and I must admit that I still grapple with my “po” and “opo,” the pronunciation of “ng” presented its own verbal hurdle as well. Even the line between “tanghali” and “hapon” has been something I keep a constant mental note of, ensuring I greet my Filipino staff at the right hour of the day.

With practice and perseverance, magandang umaga and magandang gabi, mabuhay and paalam, po and opo found their way more comfortably into my speeches. Much of this progress I owe to the patience of my Filipino friends and audiences, all of whom have met my efforts with generous understanding and scant judgement.

Each simple conversation unfurled wider horizons, invited new perspectives, and even offered a glimpse into the nation’s humor. I still remember one of my first attempts at a Filipino joke at a function: that "Magandang Hapon" was a fitting greeting not just for the afternoon, but for my beloved wife, Akiko.

Though my jokes have met with varying degrees of success, my slowly deepening grasp of the language has certainly shown me why Filipinos are some of the happiest people I've come across. Through all the rich, one-of-a-kind encounters found in this remarkable archipelago, I find that gratitude is the most fitting note to end this two-and-a-half-year journey on.

If it came down to a single choice, "Maraming Salamat" stands as not only my favorite phrase from my time in the Philippines, but the truest expression of what our two countries have built together during my time here. From high-level exchanges between our leaders to deepening economic and security ties, this has been a period of unprecedented progress for our countries’ relations, one I was fortunate to witness firsthand, including the elevation of our relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" during the State Visit of President Marcos Jr. to Japan last May. The progress I witnessed are the outcomes of all the long-term efforts of countless people on both sides.

Parallel to my experiences here in the Philippines, our educational exchanges, such as the JET Programme and JDS Scholarships, continue to link the hearts of our two nations through lasting human connections. Their continued success proves that our countries’ friendship flourishes not only in the practical, but in the profoundly personal as well.

I recently had the privilege of receiving copies of the Senate and House Resolutions in their respective plenary halls to mark the enduring bilateral relations between our countries on the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines Friendship. From the humblest gatherings at our residence to vast concert halls, from the Embassy to the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives, we have been truly fortunate to commemorate this friendship in every form it has taken.

And indeed, I am also deeply grateful for the many forms in which this country’s splendor revealed itself during our engagements. Visits covering many places from Isabela in the north, Tawi-Tawi in the south, and Catanduanes in the east, will remain ingrained in my memory. The richness of Filipino cuisine, too, is reason enough to regret leaving, even if I look back on my encounter with balut as more of an acquired memory than an acquired taste.

By the nature of our work, diplomats are momentary guests, welcomed but distanced by duty. The Philippines and its welcoming people, however, wasted no time closing any distance, sharing its wonderful culture and communities with me and my wife like family. It is this very warmth and hospitality that have made the saying “parting is such sweet sorrow” more sorrowful than sweet.

It is also said one never truly knows how much a place has touched them until after they have left it. Perhaps I will return to Japan with a sunnier disposition, or a lingering taste for halo-halo from my time here. What I am certain of is that I bring home something more lasting than the heartiest pasalubong: the many cherished friendships and memories of my first posting as my country’s Ambassador.

With the phrase you have all helped me take to heart, I wish to say once again: Maraming salamat at hanggang sa muli, Pilipinas! Maraming salamat sa pagbabahagi ng inyong wika, kultura, at pagkakaibigan!