2025 Memorial Service at the Japanese Memorial Garden

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. Approximately 250 people from Japanese related groups, Japanese descendants related groups, The Japan War-Bereaved Association, the Philippines government and others attended the ceremony this year.

The ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthems of Japan and the Philippines by the Japanese Association Manila Choir, followed by a moment of silence observed by all attendees. The reading of memorial messages followed afterwards.

Memorial Messages were delivered by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In addition, memorial addresses were presented by 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.

Following the floral tributes by all attendees, Ambassador Endo concluded the ceremony with a closing address to pay tribute to the war dead and victims. On this 80th anniversary of the war, he emphasized the importance of remembering the devastation of war and the preciousness of peace and ensuring that the memories of these tragedies are never allowed to fade and that this legacy is passed on. He also reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the friendship between Japan and the Philippines.

 

[Provisional Translation] Memorial Message from Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru

Message from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

[Provisional Translation] Closing Remarks from Ambassador ENDO Kazuya