Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: At the outset, I have one announcement regarding diplomatic relations with the Philippines and Singapore.

Next year, 2026, marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. To commemorate these milestones, we selected the official logos through public competitions in cooperation with the governments of both countries. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce them.

First, the commemorative logo with the Philippines features ropes which remind us of Japanese Shimenawa ropes and the Filipino Abaca (Manila hemp) rope, embodying the meaning of advancing toward a continuous and truly strong relationship. Furthermore, this design incorporates the colors of both nations’ flags, the sun from the Japanese flag, and the sun and the three stars from the Philippine flag.

The commemorative logo with Singapore is based on the theme of “Co-Imagine, Co-Create and Co-evolve.” Using a circular design and the number “60” in a dynamic font, the logo illustrates the generative impact of collaboration between the two countries. The design also incorporates symbolic motifs representing both countries, as well as the colors Red and White used in both countries’ national flags, thereby expressing the partnership between the two countries.

Further details will be announced shortly, so I hope you will take a look. Various commemorative events are planned throughout the year, and we aim to build momentum for anniversary events to develop the relations with both the Philippines and Singapore.