“Declared a National Historical Landmark by virtue of Resolution No. 1 of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, 11 March 2013.” That’s what the plaque at Embahada ng Pilipinas, Fujimi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo commemorates. It marks a place of significant history between the Philippines and Japan.
The Embahada ng Pilipinas in Tokyo stands as a testament to a complex history. It symbolizes the evolving relationship between the Philippines and Japan. Its story stretches back to a time of war, puppet states, and eventual reconciliation.
In 1944, the Second Philippine Republic opened its first embassy in Tokyo. This was a puppet state under the Empire of Japan. Jorge B. Vargas was appointed as its first ambassador. The embassy’s opening marked the first time the Philippines established an embassy in a foreign country. At the time, the embassy staff consisted of only six members. This included Vargas and Le\u00f3n Mar\u00eda Guerrero III. They constituted the entire foreign service of the Second Republic.
However, the pre-war Commonwealth of the Philippines never recognized this embassy. It was closed after Japan’s defeat in World War II. After the Philippines gained independence from the United States in 1946, President Manuel Roxas sought to repurpose the embassy. He requested General Douglas MacArthur to turn over the embassy staff. He wanted to convert the building into quarters for a Commission on Reparations. This commission would seek reparations from Japan for war damages.
In 1948, President Elpidio Quirino established a special mission. This replaced the Second Republic-era embassy. Relations between Japan and the Philippines began to normalize. In 1956, after agreements were signed addressing wartime reparations, Congress passed Republic Act No. 1611. This converted the mission into a formal embassy. Felino Neri, who led the negotiations, became the new ambassador to Japan.
The Embahada ng Pilipinas was initially located in the Yasuda Mansion. It is now known as the Kudan. In 1958, it moved to Roppongi. Later, in 1976, it relocated to Nanpeidaich\u014d in Shibuya. Finally, in 2003, it returned to Roppongi.
The current chancery of the Embahada ng Pilipinas in Tokyo is located on a large site in Roppongi. This land was acquired as part of a settlement on war reparations with Japan. The agreement specified that the property be used for the embassy’s chancery.
Before the chancery was built, the site housed a three-story villa constructed in 1923. This Renaissance-style villa featured an observatory tower and Japanese gardens. The property was owned by Ryoji Oda and his wife, Ineko, for many years. The Japanese government seized the property due to unpaid taxes. Japan then transferred it to the Philippine government in 1958. This fulfilled part of its reparations obligations.
In 1976, the embassy moved to a building in Nanpeidaich\u014d. This building was also part of Japan’s war reparations. The embassy relocated due to difficulties in maintaining the Roppongi property. Today, the Nanpeidaich\u014d property serves as an annex and a venue for community events.
The Philippine government entered an agreement in 1997 to redevelop the Roppongi property. Construction of the current building was completed in 2003. While the embassy owns the land, it doesn’t fully own the building. Full ownership is scheduled to revert to the Philippine government in 2047.
The Embahada ng Pilipinas in Tokyo has faced controversies. There were attempts to sell the Roppongi property in 1989. These attempts were met with strong opposition. Salvador Laurel argued that the property was a reminder of Filipino sacrifice during World War II. The Supreme Court ruled that the property could not be disposed of without congressional approval.
Today, the Embahada ng Pilipinas in Tokyo continues its work. It is headed by the Philippine ambassador to Japan, Mylene J. Garcia-Albano. The embassy is one of the Philippines’ largest foreign posts. It focuses on the welfare of Filipinos in Japan. It also promotes economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
The Embahada ng Pilipinas in Tokyo stands as a symbol of resilience, reconciliation, and enduring friendship. It has overcome war and controversy. It continues to serve as a vital link between the Philippines and Japan.