MANILA, Philippines – The Japanese economy has all the right ingredients – more investments, higher consumption, and a popular leader who has prioritized economy over national defense.

One thing, however, is missing: a young population to advance these economic gains.

Japan’s consul general, Keizo Takewaka, said this is where Filipinos come in. Speaking to Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa, Takewaka said Japan needs the Philippines’ “excellent demography,” with 22 as the average age.

On the other hand, he said Japan has over 50,000 centenarians, or nationals who have reached the age of 100.

“It is really a stark contrast. So we definitely need the friendship and economic cooperation, or supplemental relations, between Japan and the Philippines,” Takewaka said.

He said there is a “very simple reason” why Japan needs Filipinos: “You are very close, and you are very young, and you are very – most – amicable.” (Watch the full interview below.)

Changing image

Takewaka explained the Philippines’ image, too, is changing under President Benigno Aquino III.

He said in the past, Japanese companies “did not fully tap the potential” of the Philippine economy. The Philippine economy’s 7.8% growth, however, spelled the difference. “You can be more confident about yourself,” he said.

Takewaka noted trends that show Japan’s increasing attraction to the Philippines.

One of these is the arrival of Japanese students in the Philippines to learn English. He said Japan now has 800 students in Cebu, staying for two to three months to learn the language. “For them to come to Cebu is much more reasonable than, let’s say, London or New York,” he said.

He said other Japanese firms have been expanding to the Philippines.

The decision to relax visa rules for Filipinos, according to Takewaka, is also related to the economy. He said this is part of its 3-pronged growth strategy, which includes “tapping into the global market.”

Japan has allowed Filipinos to apply for multiple-entry visas starting July 1, as part of its relaxed visa rules for select Southeast Asian countries.

Takewaka said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom he described as hugely popular in Japan, has prioritized the economy. He said because of this priority, there is “no visible change in the defense policy.”

Despite this, the Philippines said it was looking to give Japan, along with the United States, greater access to its military bases. Through this, the Philippines seeks to counter a perceived security threat from China. – Rappler.com