Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the 45th Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration on Wednesday, joining members of the Philippines-Japan Society (PJS) for its annual Medal of Merit Conferment Ceremony.

The PJS confers the award annually to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines.

This year’s Medal of Merit was awarded to Ogata Kenjiro, academic advisor to both the Philippines Institute of Japanese Language and Culture Foundation Inc. and the Nihongo Center Foundation Inc.

In his address, Endo lauded Ogata’s lifelong dedication to language instruction and cross-cultural education, while expressing gratitude to the society for fostering long-standing ties between the two nations.

Endo also highlighted the broader momentum in bilateral relations, noting that the event coincides with the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties and friendship between Japan and the Philippines in 2026.