Language Tool for Diplomacy: Philippines-Japan Relations & Role of Translation

Economy wise, Asian countries are very much strong. There is a strong unity between these countries which adds to their economy and GDP as they are involved in trade and business with each other. This explains the good relations between Japan and Philippines. Both Asian countries have had strong economic, cultural, and linguistic ties for a long time now. One of the reasons behind their successful trade and business ventures is the use of translation as a necessary tool. Not even this tool helps in creating good relations between Japan and the Philippines but also allows other countries to invest in both Asian countries. For instance, with English to Japanese translation services, US businesses invest in Japan and cater to the native audiences.

In this read, we are going to talk specifically about the mutual relations between Japan and the Philippines. We will be discussing how language acts as a major tool for communication and how its translation facilitates communication.

Philippines-Japan Relations

The relations between Japan and the Phillipines dates back to the 16th and 17th century when many Japanese migrated to the Philippines. These people were traders who came in search of more money. Later in the 1880s, Jose Rizal, who was the Japanese national hero, visited Japan and fell in love with Seiko Usui. She was the daughter of a Samurai, an elite Japanese warrior class. These two incidents were enough for both nations to see each other as their friends rather than enemies.

This cooperation between both nations resulted in stability and prosperity for both. Not only are they connected on cultural and business levels but also on security levels. They are two of the storing nations in the Indo-Pacific region. On several occasions both leaders meet and decide and analyze terms which suit them both. For instance, the “Tale of Two 2+2s”. This policy is responsible for mobilizing public and private funding from the Philippines, Japan, and the United States to start transportation ventures and generate clean energy for the Philippine semiconductor industry. Other than that, this funding is also used to start commercial enterprises in both nations.

Role of Language & Translation in Japan and Philippines Relations

Language plays an important role in facilitating communication between the Japanese and the Philippines audiences. There is a high demand for Japanese language learning in the Philippines. There is a massive amount of Filiipinos who are interested in learning the Japanese language. This adds to the need of native Japanese teachers who can teach Japanese to the Filipino speakers. With the help of Philippines language translation, these Japanese speakers make their way to the Philippines and start their career as professional Japanese instructors.

Hence, translation plays an important role in not only making it easy for Japanese language instructors to enter the Philippines but also for Japanese businesses who are expanding to the Philippines. Language is the ultimate medium of communication which helps both parties understand ideas and concepts. With translation both Japanese and the Filipino audiences understand each other’s viewpoints and get on the road of success.

Security & Defense

With the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement, both nations’ armed forces are permitted to carry out combined military drills, training, and humanitarian works. This treaty was signed in January 2024. With the help of joint military exercises, both nation’s military forces improve each other’s performances. They also contribute to keeping peace in both homelands. They are also responsible for the execution of disaster relief programs where Japanese and Filipino military officers volunteer for humanitarian work.

When it comes to maritime security challenges such as illegal fishing, human trafficking and piracy, both nations cooperate to overcome these hurdles.

Business & Development

Both Japan and the Philippines are involved in business with each other. Through Official Development Assistance (ODA), Japan supports education and other programs in the Philippines. One cooperative partnership that oversees free trade between Japan and the Philippines is the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).

Language as a Diplomacy Tool, How?

Language helps us humans convey our thoughts and ideas to other fellow humans. In the case of the partnership between countries, diplomats sit and discuss the terms so that in the future there isn’t any confusion or mishap. Here translation helps both multilingual individuals to come to common ground by making them understand their words. So language helps build relations and eases the understanding of cultural nuances as well.

Final Words!

To sum up, Japan and the Philippines have a long history where Japanese traders entered the Philippines in search of expanding their trade. With the passage of time, trade relations become better and now both countries help each other. For instance, with the cooperation of the military, both Japan and the Philippines military execute disaster relief programs. With translation, diplomats and businessmen of both nations conduct peaceful communication. Both nations invest in each other’s economies as part of their bilateral relationship.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com