TOKYO – The Philippines has become the first Asian country to supply Hass avocados to Japan, a milestone achieved after more than a decade of efforts to secure market access and meet rigorous quality standards.

TOKYO – Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said the Japanese government is prepared to offer “all possible assistance” to the Philippines following the damage inflicted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) across Luzon and Visayas provinces last week.

TOKYO – Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed his commitment to advancing Japan-Philippines relations during a phone call with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

TOKYO – Filipinos are the fourth-largest group of foreign residents in Japan, with more than 330,000 in the first half of 2024, according to the latest data from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).