Manila: A survey conducted by the private polling and research firm, OCTA Research, has revealed that eight in 10 adult Filipinos express trust in Japan. This data was released on Monday and highlights a significant level of confidence and positive perception towards Japan among the Filipino population.

According to Philippines News Agency, the survey was commissioned by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and conducted between December 3 and 11, 2025. It involved 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above, who were asked, "How much does the Philippines trust Japan?" The findings showed that 79 percent of the respondents expressed 'strongly trust/somewhat trust' sentiments towards Japan, while 17 percent were uncertain, and 4 percent indicated distrust.

The survey results suggest that positive perceptions of Japan are deeply rooted in Philippine public opinion. Furthermore, Filipinos also demonstrated trust in the Japanese people, with 74 percent expressing trust and only 6 percent expressing distrust. Approximately 20 percent remained undecided, reflecting an overall favorable view of Japanese citizens.

OCTA Research noted that goodwill toward Japan extends to interpersonal perceptions of Japanese citizens. The survey also revealed that 70 percent of respondents view the relationship between the Philippines and Japan as "very good," with 24 percent considering it as neither good nor poor. These favorable perceptions were observed across various regions including Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as across different socioeconomic classes.

"Cultural exchanges, tourism, educational cooperation, and the growing Filipino community in Japan contribute to familiarity and mutual goodwill between the two societies," OCTA Research remarked. The research firm further added that "Philippine-Japan relations may therefore be at one of their strongest points in the history of the partnership."