Departing Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya has chosen the Filipino phrase “Maraming salamat” as the defining message of his two-and-a-half-year posting, saying it best captures both his gratitude to the Philippines and the unprecedented growth in ties between the two countries.
In a farewell message published across major Philippine newspapers during Buwan ng Wika, Endo reflected on learning Filipino as a way of understanding the country beyond diplomacy, describing the Philippines as a place he now considers his “second home.”
His message, titled Lingua franca: ‘Maraming salamat kaibigan’, was carried by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, and the Manila Bulletin as he concluded his first assignment as Japan’s ambassador to the Philippines.
“If it came down to a single choice, ‘Maraming Salamat’ stands as not only my favorite phrase from my time in the Philippines, but the truest expression of what our two countries have built together during my time here.”
The ambassador said mastering everyday Filipino expressions was far from easy. He recalled struggling with “po” and “opo,” the pronunciation of “ng,” and even distinguishing between “tanghali” and “hapon” to greet embassy staff correctly.
Those lessons, he said, became more than language exercises.
“Each simple conversation unfurled wider horizons, invited new perspectives, and even offered a glimpse into the nation’s humor.”
Endo’s farewell comes as Japan and the Philippines celebrate 70 years of diplomatic friendship, following what he described as a period of unprecedented progress in bilateral relations. During his tenure, the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan in 2025, while expanding cooperation in security, the economy, and education.
The partnership has marked a significant step in Japan-Philippines relations, with both governments deepening collaboration on maritime security, infrastructure, trade, and disaster resilience. Endo said these achievements were the result of years of work by people on both sides rather than the efforts of a single administration or diplomat.
He also highlighted long-running exchange programs such as the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and Japan Development Scholarship (JDS), saying they continue to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
According to Endo, these educational exchanges demonstrate that the relationship extends beyond government cooperation, creating lasting friendships and opportunities for young Filipinos and Japanese to learn from one another.
Beyond official engagements, Endo said his travels from Isabela to Tawi-Tawi and Catanduanes, as well as his encounters with Filipino food—including the memorable experience of trying balut—gave him a deeper appreciation of the country’s diversity and culture.
He said the places he visited and the communities he met would remain among the memories he would bring home, alongside the hospitality that welcomed him throughout the archipelago.
The envoy said diplomats often arrive as temporary guests, but the warmth extended to him and his wife, Akiko, quickly erased that distance.
“The Philippines and its welcoming people… shared its wonderful culture and communities with me and my wife like family.”
Ending his message in Filipino, Endo expressed hope that the friendships he built would outlast his diplomatic posting, saying the memories he gained were more valuable than any pasalubong he could bring back to Japan.
“Maraming salamat at hanggang sa muli, Pilipinas! Maraming salamat sa pagbabahagi ng inyong wika, kultura, at pagkakaibigan!”
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