On August 15, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines held a memorial service for the war dead at the Japanese Memorial Garden in Caliraya, Laguna. Around 250 attendees from Japanese-related groups, Japanese descendants’ organizations, the Japan War-Bereaved Association, the Philippine government, and others gathered for the solemn event.
The ceremony began with the Japanese Association Manila Choir performing the national anthems of Japan and the Philippines, followed by a moment of silence observed by all. Memorial messages were then read.
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered memorial messages. Eiji Morikawa, Secretary General of the Japan War-Bereaved Association, and Kazunori Okamoto, President of the Japanese Association Manila, representing the Japanese community in the Philippines, also presented memorial addresses.
After floral tributes by attendees, Ambassador Endo closed the ceremony with a tribute to the war dead and victims. Marking the 80th anniversary of the war, he stressed the importance of remembering the devastation and valuing peace, ensuring these memories endure and the legacy is passed on. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the enduring friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
