Philippines-Japan Friendship Year (70th Anniversary of Normalization of Diplomatic Relations)
Commemorative Events Endorsement Guidelines

The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary as a milestone to further advance friendly relations between the Philippines and Japan, we are inviting application for commemorative events that is related to Philippines-Japan Friendship Year under the theme: “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.” *

Applications will be reviewed, and events that meet the requirements will receive official endorsement as a Commemorative Events for Philippines-Japan Friendship Year (70th Anniversary of Normalization of Diplomatic Relations). 

* For this 70th anniversary, Japan and the Philippines have adopted “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities” as the theme for this milestone year. As neighboring countries which share fundamental values, both countries have long fostered cooperation, friendship, and trust across a diverse range of fields — from culture to economy and politics. Like threads woven into fabric, our diverse exchanges and cooperations vibrantly come together to form the tapestry of Japan–Philippines relations.

 

Requirements for Commemorative Events

To be eligible for endorsement, an event must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. (1) The event should be implemented, in principle, between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
2. (2) The content of the event should be beneficial to the promotion of exchange, mutual understanding, and friendship between the Philippines and Japan in diverse fields such as economics, society, arts, academia, sports, and tourism.
3. (3) The event should have clearly defined objectives and a high feasibility of successful implementation.
4. (4) Event falling under any of the following categories will not be eligible for endorsement:
   1. Those contrary to public order or morality;
   2. Those involving violations or possible violations of Japanese or Philippine law;
   3. Those inconsistent with the objective of promoting friendship between the Philippines and Japan;
   4. Those intended to advance a particular ideology, political view, or religion;
   5. Those lacking public interest;
   6. Those primarily for profit. However, profit-oriented projects could be eligible if they fully meet the purpose stated in requirement (2)., and if all revenues are offset by expenditures, resulting in a net balance of zero within the event’s budget.
   7. Those deemed inappropriate for endorsement due to other pertinent reasons.

Benefits of Endorsement

(1) Endorsed event can use the official title “Commemorative Event of the Japan–Philippines Friendship Year 2026 (70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations)” and the official logo on its promotional materials such as posters, pamphlets, websites, signboards, and banners. The official logo features ropes which remind us of Japanese Shimenawa and the Filipino Abaca (Manila hemp) rope, skillfully expressing the theme of the Friendship Year: “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibility” and embodies the meaning of advancing toward a continuous and truly strong relationship.

(2) Endorsed event will be featured in the official event calendar on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year.

Contact and Submission of Information

• For events held in Japan: Please fill in the required information in the Application Form (For event in Japan). Additionally, please upload the documents listed in (1) B to E to the corresponding sections of the application form.
• For events held in the Philippines: Please fill in the required information in the Application Form (For event in the Philippines). Additionally, please upload the documents listed in (1) B to E to the corresponding sections of the application form.

(1) Application Documents

1. Application Form (For event in Japan) or Application Form (For event in the Philippines)
2. Revenue and Expenditure of Event (Excel)
3. Documents Clearly Demonstrating the Organizer's Regular Activities
4. Documents Clearly Outlining the Proposed Event (If you do not have officers or articles of incorporation, etc., please state so.)
5. Copy of the letter of permission for the use of sponsorship name (only if sponsorship is obtained from the institutions/organizations listed below.)

(Note) Institutions/organizations providing sponsorship/co-sponsorship: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, Consulate-General of Japan in Davao, Japanese Association in Manila, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (JCCIPI), The Japan Foundation, Japan External Trade Organization, Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan Bank for International Cooperation
 

Application and Endorsement Process

1. (1) Applicant submits the completed application form and required documents by Google Form. Applications by postal mail or email will not be accepted.
2. (2) The Secretariat will conduct a review.
3. (3) The Secretariat will notify the applicant of the result by email. For endorsed events, the official logo data will be sent to use in accordance with usage guidelines.
4. (4) The Secretariat list it down on the Event Calendar. Endorsed events will be listed on the Philippines–Japan Friendship Year Event Calendar based on the information submitted. Direct links to the endorsed event’s website may also be included.

Post-Event Reporting

Within three months after completion of the event, organizers must submit the following documents by email to jpph70.jigyo@ma.mofa.go.jp:

(1) Event Report
(2) Documentation outlining the project implementation (no specific format required)



 

Important Notes

1. (1) Notes for Application Submission
   1. Submitted documents will not be returned.
   2. The Secretariat may request additional information if the initial submission is insufficient.
   3. The review process takes approximately three weeks; please apply with sufficient lead time. Applications with significant deficiencies may be declined for review. Required documents should be completed and submitted in Japanese or English.
   4. Inquiries regarding the review process etc. will not be answered.
2. (2) During Preparation and Implementation
   1. The organizers shall bear full responsibility for event implementation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assumes no liability whatsoever by virtue of the endorsement. Furthermore, no financial support or subsidies are provided for endorsed events.
   2. Any changes to the event content must be reported promptly to the Secretariat. Endorsement may be revoked:
      1. (a) If any changes are made to the event content from what was stated at the time of application and such changes are not promptly reported to the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year Secretariat
      2. (b) If details of the event not included in the application documents are later discovered, or if the event has been altered from the content at the time of application, and falls under item 1(4) above.
      3. (c) If the logo mark is modified in terms of aspect ratio, color, or design, or if the logo mark is used for purposes other than the endorsed event.
3. (3) If you wish to obtain the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official sponsorship, please submit a separate application for permission.