Japanese Emperor, Empress greeted with flags, flowers on first day in PHL

When Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday for a five-day state visit, it was their first time in the country in more than 50 years.

In fact, the last time the Imperial couple visited the country in 1962, they were still Japan's Crown Prince and Crown Princess—and Emilio Aguinaldo was still alive to receive them on the historic balcony of his house in Kawit, Cavite.

The world is a very different place 54 years since that first visit. Now, the Emperor and Empress are in the country to commemorate 60 years since the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and its former occupier, Japan. It is also a historic state visit—being the first by a reigning Japanese emperor to the country.

The visit has not been welcomed by all Filipinos. Women who were made sex slaves during the war, euphemistically called "comfort women," have vowed to demand justice during Akihito's visit. They are hoping the Emperor's visit will push forward their decades-old demand for an apology and adequate compensation from Japan.

During their five-day stay in the Philippines, the Imperial couple will lay wreaths at the Rizal Monument in Manila and at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig; meet with the "Japino" community; visit the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) language training center for JPEPA (Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement) trainees; visit the Japanese Memorial Garden in Caliraya, Laguna; and tour the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños.

Below are highlights of their first day in the country.

— BM, GMA News