Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers arrived at Manila’s Port Area on Saturday for a three-day goodwill visit, underscoring the growing naval cooperation between Japan and the Philippines following the ratification of their Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).

The JS Ise, a Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer, and the JS Suzunami, a Takanami-class destroyer, docked at 10:30 a.m. as part of the JMSDF’s Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025. The mission aims to promote regional security and strengthen partnerships with allied navies through joint exercises.

“These engagements enhance JMSDF’s tactical capabilities, foster mutual trust, and deepen multilateral defense cooperation,” the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement. “Such initiatives reflect Japan’s commitment to peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.”

Philippine Navy personnel greeted the visiting ships with a musical performance featuring Japanese anime theme songs, including One Piece and Slam Dunk.

Rear Adm. Natsui Takashi, commander of JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four, said the visit highlights Japan’s support for a “free and open” Indo-Pacific.

“I recognize that unilateral changes in the status quo by force are serious challenges to the international order based on the rule of law,” he said aboard the JS Ise, referencing tensions in the South China Sea.

This marks the JMSDF’s third visit to the Philippines since 2024 and JS Ise’s second visit, the first being to Subic in 2017.

Takashi emphasized that the deployment “is not targeted at any specific country” and expressed hope for deepened bilateral cooperation through the RAA, which Japan’s National Diet ratified on 6 June.

“Through this agreement, we can simplify procedures for cooperative activities and strengthen ties between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy,” he said.

Signed on 8 July 2024, the RAA outlines protocols for military personnel and civilian components of both countries during cooperative activities.

The Philippine Senate ratified the agreement on 16 December 2024, enabling reciprocal military access and cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.