Japanese ambassador cites Cebu’s role in Phl-Japan ties

CEBU, Philippines — Japanese Ambassador Enzo Kazuya has affirmed Cebu's significant role in the relationship between the Philippines and Japan.

During his recent visit to Cebu for the reopening of Philippine Airlines’ direct flights between Cebu and the Japanese city of Osaka, Kazuya highlighted the strong connection many Japanese people feel towards Cebu and emphasized the strengthening ties between the two countries.

“Cebu is actually very close to the hearts of many Japanese,” Kazuya said, noting the significant number of Japanese visitors who frequently spend time in Cebu.

Kazuya also expressed admiration for the architectural design of Terminal II at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

“It is my pleasure to be at this beautiful terminal, which is truly impressive,” he said.

On December 23, Philippine Airlines (PAL) relaunched its direct Cebu-Osaka flights with the inaugural PR 410 service departing from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) at 11:45 a.m.

The occasion was marked by a send-off ceremony attended by local officials and aviation stakeholders at MCIA.

Aside from Kazuya, guests included Japanese Consul General Hideaki Matsuo, Philippine Airlines VP for Corporate Affairs Anne Tiongco, Mactan Cebu International Airport General Manager Julius Neri Jr. and Cebu City Representative Rachel del Mar.

PAL is operating a 199-seater Airbus A321ceo jetliner for the initial three weekly flights from Cebu to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, with the frequency set to increase to four weekly flights starting February 26, 2025.

In a statement, PAL President and Chief Operating Officer, Captain Stanley K. Ng, expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, emphasizing the convenience it provides for both leisure and business travelers.

With this service, passengers from Cebu and the central Philippines can now easily reach Osaka and the western regions of Japan.

Ng also emphasized PAL’s aim to attract Japanese tourists to explore the Philippines' cultural and natural attractions, promising distinctly Filipino hospitality and service on these flights.

Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, also noted the importance of the resumed Osaka route in reestablishing Cebu’s global connections.

He noted that the resumption aligns with MCIA’s mission to become a premier global gateway and highlighted the value of airline partnerships in revitalizing travel, fostering cultural exchange, and driving economic growth for Cebu and the region.

Osaka – known for its rich history, culture, cuisine, and vibrant shopping districts – serves as a gateway to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and other areas around Kansai Bay. Notable attractions include the historic Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori district, and Universal Studios Japan.

The service is expected to boost Cebu’s tourism, with PAL promoting the island as an ideal gateway to holiday and business destinations across the Visayas and Mindanao.

PAL encourages travelers from Osaka and the Kansai region to connect through Mactan-Cebu to various destinations including Bacolod, Borongan, Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan Boracay, Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, Tacloban, and Zamboanga.

The Cebu-Osaka services complement PAL’s twice-daily flights between Manila and Osaka Kansai.

PAL offers the largest network of flights between the Philippines and Japan, including nonstop daily flights from Cebu to Tokyo Narita and 56 weekly flights from Manila to Nagoya, Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Fukuoka.