Japan-Philippines Relations
Visit to the Republic of the Philippines by Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, the Spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan (April 30, 2025)
On April 29 and 30, 2025, Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan, accompanied Prime Minister ISHIBA on an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines. On April 30, Mrs. Ishiba participated in the following programs.
1. Visit to Manila Japanese School
Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, spouse of the Prime Minister, visited the Manila Japanese School. During the welcome ceremony attended by all students, a student representative delivered a welcoming message. The students also welcomed Mrs. ISHIBA with a taiko drum performance, by the school’s taiko club, and the school song. Mrs. ISHIBA then expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and encouraged the students by saying, "I hope you will continue to grow through your studies in Manila and through a variety of experiences overseas." Following the ceremony, Mrs. ISHIBA moved to a classroom where she read a picture book to the students and enjoyed a warm exchange with them.
2. Wealth-laying Ceremony at Cenotaph to the Fallen Japanese in the Philippines
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Mrs. ISHIBA, together with Prime Minister ISHIBA, laid a floral tribute at the Cenotaph to the Fallen Japanese in Caliraya, Laguna.
3. Visit to the Philippine National School for the Deaf
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Mrs. ISHIBA visited the Philippine National School for the Deaf.
After receiving an overview of the school from the principal, she toured the student dormitory constructed with the support from Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (FY2019). Mrs. ISHIBA was warmly welcomed by the students and interacted with them and their families while learning English and Filipino sign language from them.