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Martin Ramos - Philstar.com
May 26, 2026 | 8:59pm
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with the Filipino community in Japan to kick off his state visit on May 26, 2026.
Philstar.com / Martin Ramos
TOKYO, Japan — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kicked off his four-day state visit to Japan with a meeting with the Filipino community in Tokyo on Tuesday, May 26.
In his speech, Marcos outlined the key objectives of the visit and how its initiatives are expected to benefit Filipinos both in the Philippines and Japan.
The chief executive also paid tribute to overseas Filipino workers in Japan for their hard work and sacrifices in supporting their families back home.
"Sa mga maagang bumibiyahe sakay ng mga tren upang pumasok sa trabaho sa pabrika, sa opisina, paaralan, hotel, ospital, restaurant, construction site, at mga ibang lugar pa,” Marcos said.
(To those who ride the trains early in the morning to work in factories, offices, schools, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, construction sites, and many other places.)
“Sa mga pamilyang Pilipino at Hapon na araw-araw ay nagsisilbing tulay ng pagkakaibigan ng ating dalawang bansa — kayo po ang mukha ng Pilipinas dito sa Japan,” he added.
(To Filipino and Japanese families who serve every day as a bridge of friendship between our two countries — you are the face of the Philippines here in Japan.)
He also addressed young Filipinos living in Japan, encouraging them to maximize the opportunities available to them and use their skills and talents to help uplift their communities.
“Whether it be business, the arts, the professional arena, the service sector, or in sports, I urge you to make a good account of yourselves and be proud of your heritage as Filipinos,” he added.
Joining the President and First Lady were members of the Cabinet, including Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano.
The event also featured performances by OPM singer-songwriter Florante and Sofronio Vasquez, winner of Season 26 of The Voice USA.
In the coming days, Marcos is expected to meet with Japanese officials and business leaders as part of efforts to further strengthen Philippines-Japan relations across multiple sectors.
