To mark the 69th Japan-Philippines Friendship Day, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya engaged students of De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila in an online lecture highlighting the enduring and evolving partnership between the two nations.

Held on 23 July 2025, the seminar titled “Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership: Challenges and Prospects” was co-organized by DLSU’s Department of International Studies and Nihon Kenkyuu Kai (NKK), the official student organization of Japanese Studies majors. The event brought together academic leaders and students in celebration of nearly seven decades of diplomatic ties.

Among those who attended were DLSU President Br. Bernard S. Oca, College of Liberal Arts Dean Professor Ador R. Torneo, Department of International Studies Chairperson Dr. Charmaine Willoughby, and Professor Dr. Dennis Trinidad.

Ambassador Endo’s lecture focused on the deep-rooted cooperation between Japan and the Philippines across multiple sectors such as the economy, security, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He also reflected on the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru to the Philippines in April, which he described as a key moment in strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Students participated in a question-and-answer session following the lecture, where they explored further perspectives on Japan’s role in regional development and diplomacy. The seminar served as both a learning opportunity and a reaffirmation of the growing partnership between the two countries.