Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of Japan’s Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), visited the Philippines from August 3 to 4, 2026. On the 3rd, he visited Malacañang Palace to pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. President Marcos expressed his gratitude for Fujita’s visit, stating that Japan has been an important partner supporting the Philippines’ economic development ever since diplomatic relations were established. Current Japan-Philippines cooperation now extends beyond the economy and official development assistance to defense, maritime security, energy, and disaster prevention as well.
The President expressed hope that Fujita’s visit would give “fresh momentum” to expanding and deepening Japan-Philippines relations. Fujita visited not as a cabinet minister of the Japanese government, but as a politician representing Nippon Ishin no Kai. This visit is therefore best understood as party-to-party and legislator-level diplomacy rather than government-to-government diplomacy. Even so, it is thought that President Marcos agreed to receive him partly in recognition that Nippon Ishin no Kai is a member of the ruling coalition alongside the Liberal Democratic Party.
According to a post on X by Nippon Ishin no Kai, Fujita conveyed Japan’s deep gratitude for the message of sympathy President Marcos had sent following the Kumamoto earthquake. The President reportedly also mentioned the earthquake that had occurred in the southern Philippines, saying that mutual support in the face of natural disasters is important.
Co-leader Fujita also referred to security developments in the South China Sea, stating that strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Philippines — which share fundamental values and a common perception of threats — is extremely important for realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Both sides reportedly reaffirmed the importance of this cooperation.
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