Duterte lauds Emperor Akihito’s simplicity

President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his admiration for the simplicity of the Japanese Emperor Akihito.

“You know what, I have been to many places and palaces of great leaders and people. This is the first time na nakita ko pinaka-simpleng palasyo,” Duterte said upon his arrival in Davao City late Tuesday night following his two-day official visit to Japan.

“It’s—trees surround the Palace, but it is just a small place. And even his—‘yung sala niya, the receiving room, wala kang makitang picture. It’s really a bland thing actually. And he lives very simply,” he said.

Duterte finally met with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Tuesday afternoon, along with his common-law wife Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña.

LOOK: Palace photos of Pres. Duterte and Honeylet Avanceña's meeting with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/gZt4sivvUc

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) October 31, 2017

Duterte said he was “humbled by the singular honor of meeting” the Japanese Emperor.

“I conveyed to His Majesty our nation’s and people’s deep appreciation, gratitude for Japan’s continuing friendship and support for the Philippines’ peace and development goals,” he said.

Duterte made it clear that they did not discuss government policies and the victims of the World War II.

“All the issues there connected with the war are water under the bridge. It’s not being… even discussed in polite company,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News