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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
May 26, 2026 | 12:00am
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on February 18, 2026.
PPA Pool Photos by Yummie Dingding
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is scheduled to leave for Japan today for a four-day state visit seen to tackle efforts to boost defense cooperation, promote energy security and ensure resilience to oil price shocks.
The visit, which comes as governments grapple with the impact of volatile fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflict, is Marcos’ 42nd overseas trip and his fourth to Japan since becoming President in 2022.
Marcos’ state visit from May 26 to 29 is upon the invitation of the Japanese government, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said.
“The two countries are expected to announce new agreements on defense, trade and investment and human resources,” Ratonel said at a pre-departure briefing at Malacañang.
Marcos is set to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to talk about the future trajectory of the Philippines-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership and global issues, including those related to maritime security, energy and food security.
On defense cooperation, Ratonel said the Philippines would push for further deepening of operational cooperation with Japan, including information sharing, coordination of defense agencies, transfer of defense equipment and Tokyo’s continued support for the modernization of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The two countries will discuss ways to fully implement our defense agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in 2024, and also the acquisition agreement concerning reciprocal provision on supplies and services between the AFP and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan signed on July 15, 2026,” she added.
The President and First Lady Liza Marcos are set to be received by the Japanese emperor and empress at the Imperial Palace for a welcome ceremony, state call and state banquet.
Other events during the four-day visit include a meeting with Japanese business groups and members of the Filipino community.
As of 2025, there are 340,000 Filipinos living and working in Japan, according to the DFA.
In a recent interview with Japanese media, Marcos said security cooperation would be a “very important” part of his discussion with Takaichi. — Helen Flores
