Ambassador ENDO Kazuya extended a warm welcome to distinguished Japan Studies professors from the University of the Philippines Diliman at his residence in Makati. The professors, all alumni of the Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship program, gathered for an insightful meeting with the Ambassador on 22 April 2025.

The attendees represented both the UP Asian Center (AC) and UP Center for International Studies (CIS). Among the guests were Professor Matthew M. Santamaria, Associate Professor Jocelyn Celero, Assistant Professor Karl Ian U. Cheng Chua, Retired Professor and former CIS Director Cynthia Neri Zayas, and Professor Amparo Adelina Umali III.

In his message, Ambassador Endo expressed his sincere appreciation for the professors' invaluable contributions to Japan-Philippines relations. “In all your achievements, I thank you all for your efforts cultivating a culture of excellence future scholars can aspire to and uphold,” the Ambassador remarked.

He further emphasized the essential role of academic and cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines, particularly in this Golden Age of the two countries' partnership. Ambassador Endo underscored that the support of these scholars is pivotal in advancing the shared values and objectives of both nations.

This meeting served as a testament to the ongoing commitment to fostering deeper ties between Japan and the Philippines, especially through education and people-to-people connections.