Japan firms commit PHP 51B for PH green, tech sectors

Japanese companies have pledged a total of PHP 51 billion in new investments to the Philippines, with projects spanning clean energy, property development, consumer services, and advanced industries, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Monday.

The investment commitments were finalized during high-level meetings in Osaka last week, coinciding with the Philippine Economic Briefing led by the country’s top economic officials.

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

“These commitments in green energy, smart housing, healthcare, and creative services highlight the strength of our partnership with Japan,” said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

“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,” she added.

Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay said the participation of the country’s key economic managers “sent a powerful signal to investors.”

“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,” she said.

One of the biggest pledges came from Koshidaka Holdings Co. Ltd., operator of Karaoke Manekineko, which will invest PHP 34 billion to open up to 300 branches across the country over the next 10 years.

The expansion is expected to create at least 1,500 direct jobs, with the first outlet opening in Metro Manila by late 2025.

Koshidaka will also establish a wholly owned subsidiary, Koshidaka Philippines, within the year to oversee local operations.

Marubeni Corp., a diversified conglomerate, pledged PHP 15 billion in investments covering real estate, financial technology, healthcare, and afforestation projects.

Sojitz Corp. will invest up to PHP 3 billion in a local property developer and is also exploring opportunities in aviation, artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, and healthcare.

Wellness company Nambu Co. Ltd. committed PHP 4 billion to build 10 Japanese-style retirement and assisted-living centers nationwide, starting with a flagship facility in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Meanwhile, Mitsui & Co. confirmed its partnership with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Steel Asia for a steel recycling project aimed at supporting circular economy goals and decarbonization.

Roque said these projects align with the Marcos administration’s vision of an innovation-led economy that fosters strategic foreign partnerships and inclusive development.

According to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data, the Philippines recorded USD 3.4 billion in net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the first half of 2025, down from USD 4.5 billion in the same period last year.

Japan accounted for 43% of total equity capital placements during that period, maintaining its position as the country’s top source of FDI.

The manufacturing sector received the largest share of these investments, followed by real estate and finance and insurance.