MANILA – Filipinos continue to hold Japan in high regard, with a recent nationwide survey showing strong public trust in the long-standing partnership between the two countries, according to results released in March 2026.

In a report, the findings come from the fourth quarter 2025 Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research, which gathered opinions from 1,200 Filipino adults through face-to-face interviews conducted nationwide from December 3 to 11, 2025.

The survey results indicate that positive attitudes toward Japan remain steady across regions and social groups, reflecting decades of cooperation.

High trust in Japan as a country

Nearly eight in ten respondents said they trust Japan, while only a small portion expressed distrust. A minority of respondents remained undecided, showing that public opinion continues to evolve.

“The survey results indicate that Japan continues to rank among the Philippines’ most trusted international partners, with positive perceptions consistently observed across Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao,” the OCTA Research report said.

Confidence in Japan was strong across all income groups, with particularly high trust reported among higher-income households, though positive views were also evident among middle- and lower-income respondents.

Positive view of Japanese people

The survey also measured perceptions of Japanese citizens, with nearly three quarters of respondents expressing trust toward the people of Japan. “Favorable perceptions of Japan extend beyond government relations and are reinforced by people-to-people interactions, including cultural exchanges, tourism, educational cooperation, and the growing Filipino community in Japan,” the report said.

Most socioeconomic groups shared similar positive views, suggesting that impressions of Japanese citizens are broadly held regardless of income level.

Bilateral relations seen positively

Public assessment of overall Japan-Philippines relations was also favorable, with about seven in ten respondents describing the relationship as very good.

“The positive public assessment of Japan-Philippines relations may be linked to Japan’s longstanding role as a development partner through infrastructure support, trade and investment cooperation, technology transfer, and official development assistance,” the report noted.

Collaboration in areas such as disaster response, maritime safety, education, cultural programs, and tourism exchanges has further strengthened ties between the two countries, researchers said.

A partnership shaped by history

OCTA Research highlighted that Japan-Philippines relations span more than 70 years, evolving from postwar rebuilding efforts to include trade, development assistance, education, and regional security cooperation.

The report noted that this long period of engagement has fostered familiarity and trust, reinforced by shared democratic values, mutual respect, and ongoing collaboration in regional initiatives.

Public support for future cooperation

Observers said strong public approval can help sustain international partnerships. Positive sentiment toward Japan suggests that ongoing cooperation in infrastructure, trade, technology, and cultural exchange enjoys broad public backing.

As regional dynamics shift, many Filipinos continue to view Japan as a reliable partner and trusted friend, demonstrating how diplomacy, economic cooperation, and people-to-people connections have together built enduring confidence between the two nations.