Toyota Celebrates 70 Years of Japan-Phl Ties Through B.LEAGUE

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) supported the B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026 as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

The two-game series was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on September 9 and 10, giving Filipino fans the chance to watch Japan’s professional basketball league in Manila.

TMP said the event also highlighted the people-to-people ties between the two countries, with basketball serving as another point of connection alongside business, tourism, education, culture and the arts.

“The 70-year relationship between Japan and the Philippines has been built not only through economic and diplomatic ties, but also through meaningful connections between our people,” TMP president Masando Hashimoto said.

“Basketball is one of the shared passions that brings our communities together, and TMP is proud to support experiences like the B.LEAGUE Manila Games that help strengthen these connections,” he added.

Hashimoto also cited Toyota’s long-standing automotive operations in the Philippines, including its contribution to local manufacturing, employment, skills development and the growth of the domestic automotive industry.

The Manila Games featured Filipino players Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido and AJ Edu of the Gunma Crane Thunders.

TMP marketing division senior vice president Ryo Yokoyama presented Edu with the Toyota Choice MVP award during the event.

Toyota also operated the TOYOTA Challenge Zone at the venue, where spectators took part in interactive basketball activities and competed for prizes.