On 1 October 2026, Ambassador Kitagawa Katsuro presented his Letters of Credence to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines at Malacañang Palace.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Kitagawa expressed his strong commitment to advancing the longstanding friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, with closer cooperation in the areas of security, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.
In turn, President Marcos Jr. conveyed his warm welcome and reaffirmed that Japan–Philippines relations are stronger than ever. He also expressed his intention to work closely with Ambassador Kitagawa to further elevate the bilateral relationship to even greater heights.
Ambassador Kitagawa and his party visited Rizal Park, where he lay a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Thereafter, Ambassador Kitagawa visited Rizal Park, where he offered a flower wreath to honor Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.
