Japanese warships dock in Manila for port call
JAPANESE ships from the JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four received a warm welcome from Philippine Navy personnel with anime theme songs, marking another step in strengthening defense ties between Japan and the Philippines.
Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy
Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers docked at Manila’s Port Area on Saturday for a three-day visit, marking the Philippines' growing naval cooperation with Tokyo following the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
The JS Ise (DDH-182), a Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer, and JS Suzunami (DD-114), a Takanami-class destroyer, arrived at Manila’s Port Area around 10:30 a.m. as part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) 2025.
This initiative aims to promote regional security as well as to strengthen cooperation with allied and partner navies in the Indo-Pacific through joint exercises.
During their deployment, the JMSDF vessels are carrying out joint training exercises with naval forces from various Indo-Pacific countries, including regular operators in these waters.
"These engagements serve to enhance the tactical capabilities of the JMSDF, foster mutual understanding and trust among participating navies, and deepen multilateral defense cooperation. Such initiatives reflect Japan’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region," the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement.
Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy
Philippine Navy personnel, including the Navy Band, welcomed them with performances of Japanese anime theme songs like One Piece and Slam Dunk.
In his speech, Rear Adm. Natsui Takashi, commander of JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four, said that the port call represents Japan’s commitment to supporting Manila and other like-minded countries in maintaining a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region.
Takashi also mentioned that any attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo in the South China Sea by force pose “serious challenges” to the rules-based international order.
“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 told reporters aboard JS Ise.
This marked the JMSDF’s third visit to the Philippines this year. For JS Ise, it was the ship’s second visit, with its first in Subic back in 2017.
Takashi, however, clarified that "this deployment is not targeted at any specific country."
“I hope this opportunity will promote multi-layered bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific," he continued.
