India, April 13 -- Shared concerns over China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific are pushing Japan and the Philippines to foster a strategic partnership, particularly in the maritime domain. This brief examines the evolving dynamics of the Tokyo-Manila strategic relationship in the context of a tenuous Indo-Pacific. It traces the evolution of Japan's defence engagement from post-World War II pacifism to taking on a more proactive regional security role. Similarly, the Philippines' shift from internal security to territorial defence has made Japan a crucial partner. Tokyo's capacity-building initiatives, including the transfer of defence equipment and joint military exercises, have contributed to the enhancement of Manila's mariti...