The Philippines has secured fresh investment commitments worth a combined JPY 51 billion (around PHP 18.7 billion) from Japanese conglomerates, covering clean energy as well as consumer services, property development, advanced industries, and wellness, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Monday, Manila Bulletin reports.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the pledges were finalized during high-level meetings with Japanese investors last week in Osaka, where the government’s economic team also held the Philippine Economic Briefing. 

The delegation was composed of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Zeno Abenoja.

Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay noted that the presence of the country’s top economic managers “sent a powerful signal to investors.” She added, “Their collective participation assured investors of high-level government commitment and seamless coordination—giving confidence that these projects will be fast-tracked from commitment to execution.”

Among the key projects is a steel recycling initiative by Mitsui & Co., in partnership with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Steel Asia, aimed at advancing circular economy practices and decarbonization. This comes alongside Marubeni Corp.’s planned JPY 15 billion investment spanning real estate, fintech, healthcare, and afforestation.

Trading giant Sojitz Corp. is also preparing a JPY 3-billion investment in a local property developer, expected to attract firms in artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, software, and healthcare, while also expressing interest in the aviation sector. 

Meanwhile, wellness company Nambu Co. Ltd. is investing JPY 4 billion to establish a network of 10 Japanese-style retirement and wellness facilities nationwide, starting with a Cebu hub set to open this year.

Consumer-focused investment was led by Koshidaka Holdings Co. Ltd., operator of Karaoke Manekineko, which committed JPY 34 billion to open up to 300 branches across the Philippines in the next decade, generating at least 1,500 direct jobs.

“These commitments in green energy, smart housing, healthcare, and creative services highlight the strength of our partnership with Japan,” Roque said. “The DTI and the economic team will work together to ensure these projects generate quality jobs, strengthen supply chains, and advance the country’s shift to a green, digital, and broad-based economy.”

Japan remains the Philippines’ top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, accounting for 43% of equity placements in the first half of 2025, according to Bangko Sentral data.

What opportunities and challenges do you see in Japan’s growing role in the Philippines’ clean energy and industrial development? Join the discussion and share your insights with us.

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