Ateneo Global’s EmbLEM Series hosts Japanese ambassador Endo Kazuya on the long-lasting and prospective Japan-Philippines partnership

On 9 May 2025, His Excellency Endo Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, delivered a lecture at San Alberto Hurtado Hall in the Ateneo School of Government, discussing the enduring and expanding partnership between Japan and the Philippines. This lecture was part of EmbLEM: Embassy Lectures, Encounters, and Masterclasses—Ateneo Global’s initiative which aims to broaden students’ perspectives on international affairs, history, governance, culture, and the arts, contributing to the goal of integral formation of persons of discernment, learning, and action.

Addressing students as well as faculty, His Excellency Ambassador Endo outlined the growing cooperation between the two nations in security, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges. The visit reflects the deepening ties that have characterized Japan-Philippines relations for over half a century.

In his presentation titled "The Philippines & Japan: A Long-Lasting and Prospective Partnership," Ambassador Endo traced the milestones of his tenure, including courtesy visits to key Philippine government leaders, participation in national events, and outreach in various regions such as Mindanao and Ilocos Norte. He highlighted Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s recent state visit, which further showcased the two countries’ agreements on defense cooperation, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Ambassador Endo reported progress on security agreements, notably the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which paves the way for closer defense collaboration. He also underscored Japan’s role as the Philippines’ largest donor and a major investor, with projects spanning infrastructure— from the North-South Commuter Railway to flood control systems—and expanding energy and technology partnerships.

Beyond government-level ties, Ambassador Endo celebrated the vibrant people-to-people links: from the record number of Filipino workers and students in Japan to ongoing scholarship and youth exchange programs such as the Ministry of Education Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry of Education Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET), the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), and Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS). He cited that over 5,000 Filipino scholars have studied in Japan, strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries.

The ambassador also pointed to Japan's ongoing support for peace and development in Mindanao and efforts to enhance maritime safety through capacity-building with the Philippine Coast Guard.

As both nations prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations in 2026, Ambassador Endo’s visit to Ateneo signals a shared commitment to fostering collaboration across security, economic, and cultural fields.

“I’m confident that in the years ahead, this fruitful partnership will continue to thrive, inspiring more young Filipinos like you to become vital bridges of friendship between Japan and the Philippines,” the ambassador concluded, expressing his deep appreciation for the enduring partnership and meaningful dialogue shared by the Japanese and Filipino peoples.

After his lecture, the Ambassador engaged the audience in the Q&A segment.  Students, faculty and alumni present had the opportunity to ask about a diverse range of topics, from opportunities to work in a start-up company in Japan, to advice for students who want to pursue a diplomatic career. On that note, Ambassador Endo underlined the importance of knowing your own country so that you can represent your country on the world’s stage. He emphasized the importance of communication—not necessarily fluency in foreign languages, but the ability to engage respectfully across cultures with openness, with the willingness to work with others. “And I hope I can also be a good ambassador in the future,” he added with a smile.