Japan’s emperor, empress to visit Philippines next year

Japanese Emperor Akihito and his wife, Empress Michiko, will pay a state visit to the Philippines next year, Malacañang announced Tuesday. 

 

Communications Secretary Hermino “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in a statement that the government has already started the necessary preparations for the state visit.

 

“We are pleased to announce that the Philippines has started necessary coordination with Japan for a visit of Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, to the Philippines, possibly in early 2016,” said Coloma.  

 

“This visit responds to President Aquino’s invitation. It will be the first time a reigning Emperor of Japan will be visiting the Philippines, and returns the warm welcome Their Majesties extended to the President when he visited Tokyo earlier this year,” the Palace official added.

 

In June this year, Aquino made a four-day state visit to Tokyo to woo investors from the East Asian nation. 

 

Aquino also received Japan’s most prestigious award, the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, during the state visit. —ALG, GMA News