MANILA, Philippines - Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe hosted a reception to celebrate the 79th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. In his speech Ambassador Urabe said “I am happy to report that our relationship is excellent. Since my arrival, president Aquino visited Japan twice last year, and this year high-profile business and political missions have continued to flow between Japan and the Philippines. In particular, I would like to note the highly successful visit of Secretary Del Rosario last June. The Secretary has consolidated trust and understanding of the Japanese leadership towards the Philippines. As strategic partners sharing common values, Japan and the Philippines is cooperating in various international foraâ€.