The Philippines and Japan established formal diplomatic ties in 1956, building a longstanding partnership centered on friendship, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the relations, designated as Philippines–Japan Friendship Year. As the only international payment brand based in Japan, JCB first entered the Philippine market in 1996, bringing its standard of payment excellence closer to Filipino users. Over three decades, the brand has expanded alongside local consumers by providing smooth payment services and opening doors to Japanese experiences through travel perks, merchant partnerships, and cross-country brand collaborations.
To mark both its own 30th anniversary in the country and the 70 years of bilateral friendship, JCB is launching a year-long series of activities and offers highlighting its role as a bridge between the two nations. A flagship celebration will run from September 25 to 27, 2026, at the SM Mega Fashion Hall, gathering cardholders, banking partners, merchants, and guests to showcase Japanese culture and shared achievements beyond financial services.
A set of limited-time promotions is also being rolled out to mark the occasion. These include Japan visa applications for just P30 throughout July 2026, US$30 discounts on Japan Airlines flights booked between July 15 and 31, 2026 for travel up to May 2027, P30 ramen servings at Ramen Kuroda every Tuesday from July 14 to September 29, and 30 percent off purchases at Mitsukoshi Fresh and Beauty from July 16 to August 16, 2026.
JCB Philippines country manager Wataru Tamura noted that the milestone goes beyond corporate success, emphasizing the deep connections built with Filipino users over the years. He added that the brand remains committed to linking the two countries through trusted partnerships and meaningful cultural experiences, while keeping pace with changing consumer needs and upholding core Japanese values of innovation, reliability, and hospitality. Full details on offers, eligibility, and mechanics are available on the official JCB Philippines website, as well as the brand’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Terms and conditions apply to all promotions.
