State visit by Bongbong Marcos to Japan

State visit by Bongbong Marcos to Japan
Part of Japan–Philippines relations
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, May 28, 2026
DateMay 26 to 29, 2026
Location
TypeState visit
ParticipantsHis Majesty Emperor Naruhito
Her Majesty Empress Masako
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos
First lady Liza Araneta Marcos

From May 26 to 29, 2026, the president of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos, together with his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, made a state visit to Japan.[1] This visit was Marcos' first official state visit to Japan and the first Philippine president in more than a decade.[2][3] However, looking at his presidency as a whole, it was actually his fourth visit to the country. In February 2023, he made an official working visit to the country,[4] followed by his attendance at the ASEAN–Japan Commemorative Summit held in Tokyo in December of the same year;[5] another official working visit to Tokyo and Osaka in 2025;[6] and lastly, in May 2026, his official state visit. During their state visit, they were received by Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace.[7] They were also received by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Akasaka Palace state guest house for a high-level bilateral summit.[3]

Background

Beginning with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first face-to-face bilateral encounter on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, both leaders laid their series of initial diplomatic engagements.[8] The meeting was followed by a telephone meeting in March 2026 and a video conference in April 2026, where both leaders publicly addressed pressing regional matters, including the volatile security landscape of the Indo-Pacific and the global energy crisis.[9] Following these critical discussions, the Japanese government invited President Marcos and first lady Liza Araneta Marcos to undertake a state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29, 2026, marking a historic milestone that coincided with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two nations, which were formally established on July 23, 1956.[10][2]

At a pre-departure briefing at Malacañang, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson, Analyn Rotonel said that "The two countries are expected to announce new agreements on defense, trade and investment and human resources."[11]

Prior to the visit, Philippine and Japanese officials pointed out that discussions would focus on strengthening cooperation in the fields of security, maritime affairs, defense, energy resilience, trade, and investment. The two countries were also expected to discuss the full implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in 2024, the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia), and the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.[12][13][14] A report by Kyodo News on May 21, 2026, likewise stated that the Philippines and Japan were planning to elevate their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level of diplomatic relations between the two countries and to seek closer ties amid regional concerns over an increasingly assertive China.[15]

Visit

May 26

The presidential plane carrying Bongbong Marcos and wife Liza Araneta Marcos took off from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 1:36 p.m. (PH time).[2]

In his departure statement, Marcos said the state visit comes at a critical time as the Philippines and Japan continue to deepen their strategic partnership amid "increasingly challenging and evolving" regional and global challenges. Marcos said the trip marks his first state visit to Japan since his official and working visits to Tokyo and Osaka in 2023 and 2025.[2]

In afternoon, Marcos and the first lady arrived in Japan. The aircraft carrying the Philippine delegation landed at Haneda Airport at 6:31 p.m. (local time).[16] Shortly after arriving in Japan, President Marcos met with thousands of members of the Filipino community residing and working in the country.[16]

May 27

On May 27, 2026, President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta–Marcos were welcomed by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. A ceremonial welcome was held at the palace's Eastern Court, where the national anthems of the Philippines and Japan were played and Marcos received a guard of honor. The ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.[17][18]

Following the ceremonial welcome, the president and his wife held talks with the emperor and the empress for about 20 minutes in the Take no Ma audience room at the palace. After the meeting, the emperor recalled that he stopped at a Philippine airport during a trip to Australia when he was in his third year of junior high school, saying it was the first foreign land he had stepped on. Marcos then invited the emperor and the empress to visit the Philippines, saying that a stopover alone was not enough.[17]

Marcos was also conferred the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan's highest state decoration, while the First Lady received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown. In return, the Philippine government conferred the Order of Lakandula, Rank of Supremo, upon Emperor Naruhito and the Order of Gabriela Silang upon Empress Masako.[18][19]

In the evening, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a state banquet for the President and the First Lady at the Imperial Palace. The banquet was attended by members of the Japanese Imperial Family, including the daughter of the emperor, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and Prince Hisahito, who made his first appearance at a state banquet welcoming a foreign head of state. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and cabinet ministers from both countries were also in attendance.[20][21]

May 28

On May 28, 2026, President Marcos held a bilateral summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Akasaka Palace state guest house in Tokyo. During the meeting, the two leaders formally announced the elevation of Philippines–Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking the highest level of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They also discussed defense and security cooperation, including the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement, negotiations on a General Security of Military Information Agreement, maritime cooperation, energy security, and economic collaboration.[22][23][24]

Marcos also addressed members of the National Diet, becoming one of the few Philippine presidents to speak before the Japanese legislature during an official visit.[22]

On the sidelines of his visit, Marcos met with executives of several Japanese corporations, including officials from Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., MinebeaMitsumi Inc., and Tsuneishi Group Corporation.[25][26]

May 29

On May 29, 2026, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta–Marcos were given a farewell audience by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace. During the meeting, the Emperor and the Empress and the Philippine First Couple reflected on the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Japan, particularly as the two countries commemorated the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations. The audience lasted approximately 25 minutes and was followed by a personal farewell from the Emperor and Empress.[27]

Before departing Japan, Marcos also held a media briefing in Tokyo, where he described the four-day state visit as "highly productive and constructive." He highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations, expanded economic cooperation, and the advancement of strategic and security partnerships between the Philippines and Japan. Later that day, Marcos, the First Lady, and the Philippine delegation departed Tokyo and returned to Manila, concluding the state visit.[28][29]

Results

The state visit resulted in the elevation of Philippines–Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level of bilateral diplomatic ties between the two countries.[30][31]

The agreement expanded cooperation in security and defense, particularly through the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which enables the reciprocal deployment, training, and logistical support of armed forces between the Philippines and Japan.[32][13]

Both sides also reaffirmed cooperation for the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia), focusing on energy security, critical resources, and supply chain resilience.[33] Japan likewise expressed continued support for Philippine infrastructure development, maritime security capacity-building, and economic investments.

In return, the Philippines committed to strengthening defense interoperability with Japan's Self-Defense Forces, enhancing maritime domain awareness cooperation, and supporting joint initiatives in disaster response and regional security.[32]

The visit also secured approximately ₱56.3 billion in Japanese investment commitments and the creation of around 10,300 jobs in the Philippines, following business meetings with major Japanese firms including Furukawa Electric Co., Sumitomo Electric Industries, MinebeaMitsumi, and the Tsuneishi Group Corporation.[26]

Analysis and reactions

China expressed strong opposition to the decision by Japan and the Philippines to begin formal negotiations on delimiting their maritime boundaries, describing the talks as "illegal and invalid" and asserting what it claims as its own maritime jurisdiction in the affected waters.[34]

In a commentary published by the Communist Party-affiliated newspaper People's Daily, it criticized Japan and the Philippines in relation to their growing security cooperation, stating that both countries have long-standing territorial disputes with Beijing and describing them as a "source of trouble" and a potential risk to regional peace and stability.[35] Following related maritime and boundary discussions between Japan and the Philippines, China conducted coast guard patrol operations east of Taiwan on June 7, 2026, which Chinese sources described as a response to what it characterized as unilateral moves affecting its maritime interests.[35]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "PBBM embarks on four-day state visit to Japan to further strengthen Manila-Tokyo ties". Presidential Communications Office. May 26, 2026. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Gita-Carlos, Ruth Abbey (May 26, 2026). "PBBM leaves for Japan to secure new economic, defense deals". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Japan-Philippines ties entering 'Platinum Era'". NHK World-Japan. June 1, 2026. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  4. ↑ Cupin, Bea (February 5, 2023). "What you need to know about Marcos' visit to Japan". Rappler. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  5. ↑ Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos (December 15, 2023). "PBBM arrives in Tokyo for ASEAN-Japan ties anniversary". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  6. ↑ Cupin, Bea (June 19, 2025). "Marcos flies to Japan for World Expo 2025, business meetings". Rappler. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Marcos, FL meet Japan's Emperor, Empress". Manila Bulletin. May 27, 2026. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  8. ↑ "PBBM welcomes Japan's new Prime Minister to ASEAN; eyes deeper partnership to realize bloc's priorities". Presidential Communications Office. October 27, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  9. ↑ Rocamora, Joyce Ann (March 25, 2026). "PBBM, Japan PM agree to work on Strait of Hormuz de-escalation". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Japan, PH to unveil new deals for Marcos' visit". Inquirer.net. May 26, 2026. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  11. ↑ Romero, Alexis (May 26, 2026). "Marcos off to Japan for 4-day state visit". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 7, 2026.
  12. ↑ Bonzo, Lyjah Tiffany (May 25, 2026). "Marcos' Japan visit to focus on maritime security, energy, defense, investments". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  13. 1 2 Chi, Cristina (May 25, 2026). "Marcos to seek fuller rollout of defense pacts with Japan in first state visit". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Marcos: PH, Japan to elevate ties to 'comprehensive strategic partnership'". GMA News Online. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Japan, PH to upgrade partnership to highest tier of strategic ties". Inquirer.net. Kyodo News. May 21, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  16. 1 2 Cabato, Luisa (May 26, 2026). "Marcos arrives in Japan for 4-day state visit". Inquirer.net. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  17. 1 2 "Japan welcomes Philippines' Marcos at Imperial Palace". The Japan Times. May 27, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  18. 1 2 "Marcos, FL Liza meet Japanese Imperial Family in Tokyo". GMA News Online. May 27, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  19. ↑ "President Marcos meets Japan Imperial Couple during a State Call, receives Japan's highest honor". Presidential Communications Office. May 27, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Japan Imperial Couple Hosts Banquet for Philippine Pres., Wife". Manila Bulletin. Jiji Press. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  21. ↑ "Japan Imperial Couple Hosts Banquet for Philippine Pres., Wife". Nippon.com. May 27, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  22. 1 2 "Japan and Philippines agree to elevate ties to new level amid China concerns". The Japan Times. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting and Dinner". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  24. ↑ "The Philippines-Japan Joint Statement on the Elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership". Presidential Communications Office. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  25. ↑ Cabuenas, Jon Viktor (May 28, 2026). "LOOK: Marcos meets with Japanese businessmen". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  26. 1 2 Bonzo, Lyjah Tiffany (May 31, 2026). "PH secures P56.3-B investment, 10,300 jobs during Japan state visit, says DTI". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Japan's Imperial Couple Bid Farewell to Philippine Pres., Wife". Nippon.com. May 29, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  28. ↑ "President Marcos concludes 'highly productive, constructive' State Visit to Japan". Presidential Communications Office. May 29, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  29. ↑ Ombay, Giselle (May 29, 2026). "Marcos back in PH after 'productive' Japan state visit". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Marcos, Japan to elevate ties to 'comprehensive strategic partnership'". GMA News Online. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  31. ↑ "Japan and Philippines agree to elevate ties to new level amid China concerns". The Japan Times. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  32. 1 2 "Philippines-Japan Joint Statement on the Elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership". Presidential Communications Office. May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Marcos' Japan visit to focus on maritime security, energy, defense, investments". GMA News Online. May 25, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  34. ↑ "China calls Japan-Philippines sea border talks 'illegal'". ABS-CBN News. Agence France-Presse. May 29, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  35. 1 2 Wang, Orange (June 7, 2026). "Beijing sends largest patrol ship east of Taiwan after Japan-Philippine boundary talks". South China Morning Post. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.