FORMER president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Proclamation 905, declaring 2006 as Philippines-Japan Friendship Year. The enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan was based on similar aspirations for liberty, justice and democratic values. The Philippines and Japan have been bound by a common vision of the future and have had close historical ties. Both countries have enjoyed a strong, vibrant relationship in trade, business, investment and tourism.
2006 was the most fitting time to celebrate and commemorate the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Japan with the ratification of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement on July 23, 1956.
Consequently, July 23, 2006 was declared as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day by virtue of Proclamation 854.

A very fruitful meeting with Japan PM
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. had a very fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Bound by shared values and common aspirations for the two countries' peoples, they committed to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan. They mapped out a transformative, future-oriented partnership that was responsive to new developments.
Marcos said they have cemented defense and security relations and have also covered a great deal of ground in the areas of agriculture, information and communications technology cooperation, and with the signing of bilateral agreements that provided the framework for enhanced, mutually beneficial collaboration in many areas.
Japan committed to provide infrastructure development loans for two major projects — the North-South Commuter Railway for Malolos-Tutuban and the North-South Commuter Railway Project Extension — all totaling 377 billion yen or the equivalent of about $3 billion.
The completion of these projects, along with other ongoing large-scale Official Development Assistance projects such as the Metro Manila Subway Project and many more across the country, were expected to translate to better lives for Filipinos through improved facilitation of the movement of people, goods and services.
'During this visit to Japan, I also met with business leaders and potential investors. In our roundtable meetings, I briefed them on the new and better business climate and investment environment in the Philippines,' Marcos added.
Key private sector representatives were with Marcos and engaged with Japanese industry giants to seize the economic opportunities now present in the Philippines. Coming back, Marcos added they carried with them over $13 billion in contributions and pledges, created approximately 24,000 jobs and further solidified the foundations of the economic environment.
'I also talked to the CEOs (chief executive officers) of Japanese shipping companies and associations. This was very important as Japan has the second largest maritime industry in the world and they employ 31,673 Filipino seafarers. That number constitutes 70 percent of the maritime crew of the Japanese shipowners,' Marcos shared.
The Japanese shipping companies also had investments and long-term partnerships with Philippine stakeholders in maritime education and welfare programs.
Marcos had the honor of having an imperial audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan.
Regarding his audience with the emperor and empress, Marcos said, 'We reaffirmed the commitment that we have to enhance the close friendship and cultural ties between Filipinos and Japanese.'
More investments would go to the Philippines on top of the deals signed during the President's successful working visit to Tokyo.