Philippine Ambassador to Japan
October 25, 2017

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V, whose family name has been synonymous with the Philippines’ close ties with Japan, shares his insights on the growing closeness of the Philippine-Japan relations under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In the interview, the newly appointed Ambassador underscores Japan’s sincerity in fostering stronger bilateral partnerships with the Philippines, and why a symbiotic relationship between the two countries would be beneficial to foster peace and stability in the South China Sea disputes and in the Korean Peninsula.

A proud grandson of the Philippines’ second President Jose P. Laurel (1943-1945), and son to Jose Sotero Laurel III, who also served as the Philippine Ambassador to Japan (1966-1971), Ambassador Laurel gives his insights on how to triumph against odds by sharing the success stories of the Laurels who played a major role in the country’s history and in shaping the Philippines-Japan relations to what it is today.

Prior to his appointment as Philippine Ambassador to Japan on 16 September 2016, he was a former Batangas governor, teacher, Chairman of the Executive Committee of YKK Philippines Inc., and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation.

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