― Marking the 70th anniversary of normalized relations, with a pledge to further strengthen Japan-Philippines ties

　The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announced on September 18 the arrival of the new ambassador, Kitagawa Katsuro. Mr. Kitagawa was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines effective August 12, succeeding the departed former ambassador, Endo Kazuya.

　In his arrival message, Ambassador Kitagawa noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, and said the two countries’ relationship has expanded as never before across politics and security, economic and development cooperation, and people-to-people and cultural exchange.

　In May this year, President Marcos and the First Lady made a state visit to Japan, and the leaders of the two countries agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” a first for the Philippines. Ambassador Kitagawa said he intends to take this agreement as a new foundation and promote bilateral cooperation even more strongly.

　He also referred to the Philippines’ role as this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and stated that through close cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, the two countries will build up concrete results toward the stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

　Mr. Kitagawa was born in Oita Prefecture in 1968. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at Waseda University, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991. He has served in posts including Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau and Deputy Minister for Global Issues at the Ministry.

　To Japanese nationals residing in the Philippines, the Embassy of Japan and the Consulates-General in Cebu and Davao emphasized that they are “always together with Japanese residents,” expressing their determination to make the safety, security, health, and prosperity of Japanese nationals their first mission and to work toward taking Japan-Philippines relations to still greater heights.

　Ambassador Kitagawa’s arrival will place him in the role of carrying Japan-Philippines relations, which are deepening rapidly in security cooperation and economic partnership, to the next stage.

　Ambassador Kitagawa’s arrival message: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, “Greetings from Ambassador Kitagawa”