70 Years of Japan-Philippines Ties Get a Basketball Slam Dunk
Basketball gave Japan and the Philippines a new way to connect. Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) marked the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines relations by supporting the B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026.
The two-game series was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sept. 9 and 10. It brought Japan’s professional basketball league closer to Filipino fans. It also used basketball as another platform for cultural exchange in a milestone year.
B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026 and Japan-Philippines Relations
TMP president Masando Hashimoto said the bond goes beyond formal ties. “The 70-year relationship between Japan and the Philippines has been built not only through economic and diplomatic ties, but also through meaningful connections between our people.”
Hashimoto then turned to the sport at the center of the series. “Basketball is one of the shared passions that brings our communities together, and TMP is proud to support experiences like the B.LEAGUE Manila Games that help strengthen these connections.”
The series also underscored how Japan-Philippines relations have grown beyond formal diplomatic and economic ties. Over the decades, exchanges in culture, tourism, business, education and the arts have built familiarity and understanding between the two peoples.
Hashimoto also spoke about Toyota’s business. He said the ties have an economic side. “Beyond this, this bilateral relationship for TMP is represented in part by the economic partnership built through decades of Toyota’s automotive business in the country,
“which has contributed to local manufacturing, employment, skills development, and the continued growth of the Philippine automotive industry,” Hashimoto added. TMP supported the series as part of the anniversary.
Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu and the Toyota Challenge Zone
The Manila Games also gave Filipino fans a chance to watch Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido and AJ Edu of Gunma Crane Thunders. Each played for his B.LEAGUE club in Manila.
TMP also set up the Toyota Challenge Zone, an on-ground activity area. Attendees joined interactive basketball challenges there and had the chance to win prizes.
