Ono Hirotaka, Consul General of Japan to Davao, has vowed to further enhance trade and people-to-people ties between Japan and Mindanao in 2026, which marks the 70th Philippines-Japan Friendship Anniversary. He stated that the onset of the new year “invites us to reflect on our shared history, appreciate the strategic partnership we now enjoy, and look ahead to a future rich with opportunities for collaboration.” Japan will continue to strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and foster cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Mindanao. Some major Japanese investments in Mindanao include the Itochu Corporation-owned Dole Philippines Inc. and the Nakashin Davao International, both of which are engaged in agriculture and food manufacturing. Japan has also been contributing to the peace process in Mindanao for over two decades, particularly helping peace and development initiatives in the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019. Under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD), at least $515 million has been undertaken in over 100 projects as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). Japan is also a member of the International Contact Group (ICG), a mechanism in the Bangsamoro peace process. The Consulate General of Japan in Davao will continue to safeguard the well-being of Japanese nationals in Mindanao and address issues concerning Japanese descendants to ensure that these important ties endure for generations to come.
