Mr. FUKUDA Shigeo – son of former Prime Minister FUKUDA Yasuo – paid a courtesy call on Mr. Francis C. Laurel, President of the Philippines Japan Society (PJS) last July 13, 2023.  Mr. Fukuda was accompanied by Mr. TAKANO Seji, President of the Japanese Association Manila, Inc. (JAMI), and President of Sumitomo Corporation of the Philippines (SCP). Also, on hand to receive the guests were Mr. Ricky Osmond, Chairman of The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC), Mr. Gerry B. Sanvictores (PJS Vice-President), and Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores, President of the Nihongo Center Foundation. 

Messrs. Fukuda and Takano were received at the Ambassador Jose S. Laurel III Room where the memorabilia of the late Ambassador and Founder of the Philippines-Japan Society and its affiliate organizations are housed.  Photos of Prime Ministers FUKUDA Takeo and FUKUDA Yasuo – Mr. Fukuda Shigeo’s grandfather and father, respectively – are among framed pictures prominently displayed in the Laurel Room.  

During the call, Mr. Laurel presented Mr. Fukuda with a copy of the book – Jose S. Laurel III, Filipino Samurai. Interestingly, Mr. Fukuda brought with him a copy of the same book which was earlier given to his father – PM Fukuda Yasuo – with a request for a dedication from Mr. Laurel.  Of course, Mr. Laurel obliged and wrote dedications on both books for the personal collection of father and son.

Mr. Fukuda was previously stationed in SCP and lived in the Philippines for several years and is quite familiar with the country.  Currently, he oversees the industrial estates development business of Sumitomo Corporation.