Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa arrived in Manila on Sunday to address significant geopolitical issues and to personally experience the city’s daily commute. A day ahead of her meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), Kamikawa took a 30-minute ride on the Japan-financed Metro Manila Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3.
Kamikawa, dressed in white slacks and a blue blazer, appeared relaxed as she interacted with fellow Japanese officials inside the MRT coach. Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya shared that she enjoyed the ride from North Avenue to Ayala during off-peak hours, mingling with everyday passengers.
“Full speed ahead towards progress!” Kazuya posted on X. “Sharing FM Kamikawa’s excitement riding the new and improved MRT-3, along with the government of Japan’s commitment towards supporting more Philippines development projects in the future!”
The MRT Line 3, rehabilitated with Japan’s official development assistance, has seen significant improvements, reducing delays and breakdowns that plagued the 25-year-old system.
During her visit, Kamikawa also visited Nippon Human Resources Foundation, Inc. (NHRFI), engaging with Filipino trainees bound for Japan and discussing with NHRFI President Danilo Navarro the agency’s activities and support for Filipino workers.
In her bilateral meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Kamikawa expressed her commitment to promoting bilateral trade, investment, and infrastructure development, including continued support for the Philippines to achieve upper middle-income status. She emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining a free and open international order.
Kamikawa highlighted Japan’s dedication to enhancing bilateral security and defense cooperation through the Reciprocal Access Agreement. “We hope to build on this achievement to further strengthen security and defense cooperation between our two countries,” she said.
As Manila and Tokyo approach seven decades of diplomatic relations in 2026, Kamikawa reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening ties across various sectors, including the economy, people-to-people exchanges, and regional and international issues.
Kamikawa, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate with a Master’s in Public Policy, has a distinguished political career, including serving as Japan’s Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Gender Equality and Social Affairs. Outside of her official duties, she enjoys hobbies such as radio calisthenics, ground golf, traditional Japanese dance, and knitting.