Japan is looking to deepen its long-standing relationship with Mindanao, with Japanese officials highlighting opportunities in tourism, investment, infrastructure, cultural exchanges and peace-building during a friendship celebration in Davao City.
Japanese Consul General in Davao Hirotaka Ono made the remarks during the Japan-Philippines Friendship Kadayawan Matsuri Night on September 18, part of the year-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.
Ono said the relationship goes beyond the formal diplomatic anniversary, pointing to more than 120 years of historical connections between Japanese communities and Davao.
He noted that Japanese migrants began arriving in Davao in the early 1900s, with the Japanese community becoming deeply connected to the region’s economic and social development. Diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines were formally normalized in 1956.
Tourism and investment were among the areas Ono identified for stronger cooperation. He said Davao has potential to attract more Japanese visitors and investors, while improved connectivity — including possible direct flights between Japan and Davao — could further increase people-to-people exchanges.
Japan has also maintained a significant development presence in Mindanao. Japanese-backed cooperation includes the Davao City Bypass Road, flood-control initiatives in Matina and planning support for Metro Davao through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Ono also pointed to Japan’s more than three decades of involvement in the Mindanao peace process. Japan recently supported the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, including through an election observer mission, and has reiterated its support for the long-term peace process.
The Japanese government has described peace in Mindanao as important not only to the region but also to broader regional stability. It has said it will continue supporting both the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro institutions in pursuing sustainable peace.
The renewed focus on Mindanao cooperation also comes as Japan remains open to exploring additional infrastructure partnerships. Ono separately said Japan could study possible financing support for the Mindanao Railway if the Philippine government formally requests assistance, although he stressed that no funding negotiations were taking place at his level.
Davao City officials likewise emphasized the importance of maintaining the relationship. In a message delivered during the Matsuri Night, Mayor Sebastian Duterte said the city’s ties with Japan extend across communities, businesses, institutions and cultural organizations.
The celebration featured Japanese cultural performances, bonsai and ikebana exhibitions, underscoring the people-to-people dimension of the relationship.
For Japan and Mindanao, the latest engagement reflects a partnership that increasingly extends beyond traditional development assistance. Tourism, infrastructure, investment, cultural exchanges and peace-building are emerging as interconnected areas of cooperation as both sides look toward the next chapter of their relationship.
