Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the graduation ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) on June 3, 2026, reaffirming Japan’s strong partnership with the Philippines in the development of maritime human resources.
MAAP was established with the support of the Japanese Seafarers’ Union (JSU) and the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), which represents employers of foreign seafarers in Japan. The academy plays a vital role in training highly skilled ship officers, including deck and engineering officers, who contribute to the operations of the Japanese merchant fleet and the global maritime industry.
Addressing the graduating class, Ambassador Endo congratulated the cadets on their achievements and highlighted the important role they will play in strengthening Japan–Philippines relations.
“I firmly believe that each and every one of you will become a bridge between Japan and the Philippines, and strengthen the bonds and partnership between our two countries for many years to come, as you work alongside your Japanese colleagues in Japanese ports and navigate the seas of the world together,” Ambassador Endo said.
The Ambassador also underscored the Japanese Government’s continued commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Philippine maritime sector through cooperation in maritime education, training, and human resource development.
The graduation ceremony marked another milestone in the longstanding maritime partnership between Japan and the Philippines, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to fostering excellence, professionalism, and international cooperation in the maritime industry.
