Japanese investors commit P51B in new PH projects

The Philippine government secured around %u20B151 billion worth of investment pledges during its recent trade mission to Osaka, Japan, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported on Monday.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the commitments span multiple sectors, from real estate and healthcare to financial technology and green energy.

The largest single pledge came from Koshidaka Holdings Co., Ltd., operator of the world’s biggest karaoke chain, which committed %u20B134 billion to open 300 outlets in the Philippines over the next decade. The project is expected to create over 1,500 direct jobs and support thousands more through construction and supply-chain activities.

Marubeni Corporation also pledged %u20B115 billion in investments across real estate, fintech, healthcare, and afforestation, while Sojitz Corporation expressed interest in aviation-related projects and committed %u20B12 to %u20B13 billion for ventures in artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, software, and healthcare.

Meanwhile, Mitsui & Co. confirmed plans to expand its existing investments, including its partnership with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Steel Asia for a steel recycling project that will support the country’s decarbonization efforts.

“These commitments in green energy, smart housing, healthcare, and creative services highlight the strength of our partnership with Japan,” Roque said, adding that the projects align with the government’s push for a green, digital, and inclusive economy.

Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay emphasized that the presence of top economic managers, including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Zeno Abenoja, reassured Japanese investors of the Philippines’ strong commitment to follow-through.

“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,” Angara-Mathay said.

The DTI said the pledges reinforce Japan’s role as a key investment partner, underscoring the Philippines’ potential as a hub for innovation-driven growth in Asia.